Report claims Zambia ranked among worst performers in tobacco industry interference index

The latest Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index has revealed Zambia’s poor performance in resisting tobacco industry influence, with the country scoring 83 points in Africa and ranking 94th out of 100 countries globally. The low ranking has been attributed to Zambia’s welcoming stance towards the tobacco industry, which has led to significant interference in public health policies. Mary Assunta, Head of Global Research and Advocacy at the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, presented the Index in Lusaka on Saturday in collaboration with the Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA).

The index assesses governments’ responses to tobacco industry interference and provides a report card on the industry’s actions and government reactions. Zambia has consistently performed poorly over the past four years. In Africa, Zambia ranks at the bottom among 20 surveyed countries, with its score worsening from 38 in 2021 to 83 in 2025.

“Article 5.3 of the global treaty empowers governments to protect public health policies from tobacco industry influence, however, implementation remains a challenge in Zambia,” Assunta said. The global report shows that 60 countries have experienced tobacco industry influence, resulting in delayed or weakened tobacco control policies. Zambia was among those affected, with aggressive industry tactics undermining efforts to control tobacco use.

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The report notes that such interference remains a major obstacle to public health progress, urging governments to take decisive action to protect citizens’ health. It also highlights the need for greater transparency in interactions between governments and the tobacco industry to ensure accountability. The Index further calls for stronger policies to curb industry interference and prioritize public health over commercial interests.

“As I conclude, I want to encourage the Zambian youths to continue demanding their right to a tobacco-free future. The government’s responsibility is to ensure this right and curb industry interference,” Assunta said. She noted that while the Tobacco Control Act was now in place in Zambia, strict transparency measures were needed to prevent industry manipulation. Assunta added that interactions between government officials and the tobacco industry should be strictly regulated, noting that the industry often targeted non-health government departments and uses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities to gain influence.

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