ZACCI Urges Balanced Tobacco Control to Protect Health and Economy
The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has called for a balanced approach to tobacco regulation, warning that the current Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025, if enacted in its present form, could undermine investor confidence and destabilise a key sector of the Zambian economy.
According to Anthony Kabaghe, ZACCI President, the Chamber supports responsible regulation, recognising that tobacco abuse poses serious public health risks, particularly for young people and vulnerable groups.
However, he emphasised that “sound policy must be balanced, advancing public health objectives while safeguarding economic stability, investment certainty and livelihoods.”
ZACCI has raised concerns that the Bill extends beyond the traditional mandate of the Ministry of Health, encroaching on commercial activities such as manufacturing, trade, and distribution. The Chamber warned that this regulatory overreach could create institutional overlaps, weaken policy coherence, and send negative signals to investors.
The tobacco sector remains a significant contributor to Zambia’s economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods across the value chain, contributing to export earnings, foreign exchange generation, government revenue, and rural development. Recent growth trends and investment inflows highlights the sector’s role in industrialisation, value addition, and job creation.
“Regulatory approaches that do not consider these economic realities risk triggering unintended consequences, including contraction of formal sector activity, expansion of illicit trade, erosion of government revenue, and disruption of rural livelihoods,” Mr Kabaghe noted.
The Chamber further highlighted that no updated Regulatory Impact Assessment has been conducted, as required under the Business Regulatory Act, and called for an evidence-based approach that reflects current economic conditions, compliance costs, and enforcement capacity.
Several provisions of the Bill were also flagged for review, including ambiguous definitions, overextension of the Ministry of Health into commercial functions, limited sector representation in governance structures, and compliance requirements that could disproportionately burden small businesses.
ZACCI emphasised that public health protection and economic sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Mr Kabaghe urged “further and meaningful stakeholder engagement, a comprehensive and updated Regulatory Impact Assessment, clearer delineation of institutional mandates, and refinement of key provisions to ensure clarity, proportionality, and enforceability.”
He added that a phased and consultative implementation would be critical to compliance while minimising disruption. “Zambia’s policy choices at this moment carry significant implications for its investment climate, industrial development, and rural economy. It is essential that this legislation reflects both public health priorities and economic realities,” he concluded.
Mr Kabaghe reaffirmed ZACCI commitment to constructive engagement with Government and all stakeholders to ensure a final framework that is balanced, credible, and aligned with the national interest.
