The Tobacco Association of Zambia has called for inclusive dialogue among stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach to the Tobacco Control Bill of 2025.
The Association emphasised that the industry is already subject to strict global regulations, with its members fully compliant with existing laws.
Association Executive Director, Phonto Mumbi, highlighted the importance of the tobacco subsector in Zambia’s economy, involving approximately 38,000 farmers.
“All tobacco grown in Zambia is exclusively for export, and the subsector supports responsible trade practices, including measures under the Anti-Illicit Trade in Tobacco Protocol under the Ministry of Trade and Industry,” said Mr. Mumbi in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He further noted the contributions of tobacco farmers to community development, citing infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Mr. Mumbi advocated for a regulated system to prevent the importation of low-cost cigarettes that could undermine local efforts and public health laws.
This came to light in Lusaka when some members of the Zambia Private Sector Alliance (ZPSA) held a Joint Press Conference on the Tobacco Control Bill (TCB) 2025, convened by key industry stakeholders.
Angel Kasabo
