Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) Welcomes the Adoption of Zambia’s Tobacco Control Bill

The Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) warmly welcomes the passage of the Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025 by the Parliament of Zambia. This marks a major milestone for public health in Zambia and an important step forward for tobacco control efforts across Africa.

The Bill demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to protecting present and future generations from the harms of tobacco and emerging nicotine products. ATIM commends the Government of Zambia, Members of Parliament, civil society organisations, journalists, researchers, youth advocates, and public health stakeholders whose sustained advocacy and engagement contributed to this achievement.

As a regional public health and tobacco industry monitoring organisation, ATIM has been privileged to support capacity strengthening and advocacy efforts in Zambia through regional trainings, journalist engagement, and collaboration with civil society partners. We are encouraged to see Zambia emerging as an example of African leadership in advancing implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Importantly, this legislation comes at a time when the tobacco and nicotine industry is increasingly targeting African countries with novel nicotine products promoted under the guise of “harm reduction.” Evidence from several countries shows that weak regulation of these products can increase youth nicotine addiction and dual use rather than reduce smoking at population level. Zambia’s approach appropriately prioritises prevention, youth protection, strong regulation, and public health integrity.

ATIM respectfully urges His Excellency the President of Zambia to act swiftly in assenting to the Bill so that this important legislation can come into force without delay. Timely enactment will strengthen Zambia’s ability to protect public health, fulfil its obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and safeguard future generations from tobacco industry exploitation.

As implementation moves forward, continued vigilance against tobacco industry interference, in line with Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC, will remain essential. ATIM remains committed to supporting evidence-based tobacco control and industry monitoring efforts across Africa.

Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM)
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa