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The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has urged the government to reconsider provisions in the ongoing Tobacco Control Bill (TCB) 2025 and to engage industry stakeholders in creating a more balanced regulatory framework.
ZAM expressed optimism that stakeholder consultations would help the government draft a bill that supports both public health objectives and economic sustainability.
The association emphasized the importance of aligning relevant ministries and ensuring a coordinated policy framework to maintain the integrity of the legislative process.
ZAM president, Ashu Sagar, in a statement issued Thursday, called for urgent consultations with the relevant ministries to explore alternative approaches that balance public health concerns with economic interests, particularly safeguarding jobs, investments, and government revenue.
“We remain committed to responsible industry practices and support reasonable regulations that do not cripple economic activity,” Sagar said.
While acknowledging government’s commitment to public health and regulatory reform, Sagar highlighted the potential risks of the bill in its current form, particularly to Zambia’s economy, employment, and trade balance.
He expressed concern that the bill could signal government’s intention to phase out the tobacco industry entirely, which would have devastating economic consequences.
“The tobacco sector is a critical pillar of Zambia’s economy, contributing over K500 million in taxes annually and sustaining over 500,000 jobs across the value chain, including farmers, traders, transporters, processors, retailers, and supporting industries.
“Any policy that effectively shuts down the industry would not only eliminate thousands of jobs but also erode a significant revenue stream for the government,” Sagar warned.
He said: “If enacted in its current form, Zambia risks severe economic disruptions and a surge in illicit trade, which could lead to higher taxes on other industries to cover the loss of government revenue.”
One of the major concerns raised by Sagar was the bill’s attempt to criminalize engagement between the industry and government regulators, cutting off essential channels for consultation.
He argued that this approach undermines Zambia’s Open-Door Policy and the Business Regulatory Review Act (BRRA), which emphasize the importance of industry participation in regulatory processes.
By prohibiting dialogue, Sagar noted, the bill eliminates opportunities for balanced policy formulation that considers both economic and public health interests.
“Furthermore, the bill appears to prioritize commercial restrictions over addressing core health concerns. While ZAM supports evidence-based regulations to promote public health, the proposed legislation overreaches by attempting to dictate the commercial operations of a legally recognized industry, instead of focusing on health-driven interventions,” Sagar said.
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