Industry Interference in Zambia
The tobacco industry has historically resisted tobacco control measures.
The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) – states that parties must keep an eye on and combat any attempts by the tobacco industry to undermine or subvert tobacco control laws.
This page provides information on the tactics used by the tobacco industry in Zambia to interfere with tobacco policy development and implementation, compares the level of interference in Zambia against that globally and in other African countries, describes the tactics being used, demystifies common tobacco industry myths and provides recommendations on how to address industry interference in Zambia.
Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index
Zambia’s ranking
The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index measures how governments are implementing Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC and its implementation guidelines.
Based on the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2020, 2021, and 2023 Zambia continues to have significantly high levels of industry interference despite a marginal drop from a score of 78 in 2021 to a score of 77 in 2023.
Zambia is currently ranked 79 out of 90 countries participating in the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index in 2023, with a score of 77.
The global industry interference survey looks at the following seven indicators;
- Industry participation in policy development
- CSR activities
- Benefits to the tobacco industry
- Unnecessary interactions with the tobacco industry
- Lack of transparency
- Conflict of interest
- Preventive measures
In 2023, preventative measures, industry participation in policy development and transparency were the worst performers for Zambia out of the seven indicators. This is largely attributed to the industry’s persistent influence in policy making processes.
We have the employment offered by the industry. We have the revenue from the industry and [we] cannot just…throw it away, because the government gets revenue from the same tobacco.”
Ministry of Health (MOH)
Tobacco Industry Interference (T.I.I) Index
The lower the score, the lower the level of interference
- T.I.I Score|
- 0 - 9
- 10 - 19
- 20 - 29
- 30 - 39
- 40 - 49
- 50 - 59
- 60 - 69
- 70 - 79
- 80 - 89
- 90 - 100
- No Data