The 2023 index shows a high level of industry interference in policy development in countries like Cameroon, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Botswana and Mozambique,

Highlights of the extent of industry participation in these countries is presented in Figure 5.

In , Business Botswana Botswana which represents the interest of the
private sector, including tobacco companies, is a member of the High-Level Consultative Council (HLCC, where the Government engages with various stakeholders to discuss key policy issues and seek input on policy formulation. Through its participation in the HLCC, Business Botswana can provide input on key policy issues affecting the business
environment in Botswana, and advocate for policies that support private sector growth and development.

In Cameroon, the tobacco industry participated in the development of
standards for tobacco and tobacco products and these standards are likely
to become regulations. British American Tobacco (BAT) initiated and financed the standardization work on two new nicotine
products. In their strategy to introduce new nicotine-based products on the market, BAT’s managers asked the Ministry of Public Health for advice.

In Ethiopia, although the Food and Drug Administration proclamation
1112/2019, does not permit industry participation in public health policies on tobacco control in any form, the National Tobacco
Enterprise continuedly participate in any lawmaking process that addresses tobacco control. The tobacco industry was able to exert pressure on public health laws, particularly the amendment of excise tax proclamation.

In Mozambique, there is a strong support of the government to the tobacco industry, which is reflected in the fact that to date Mozambique does not
have an omnibus tobacco control legislation that is compliant to the WHO FCTC to protect public health. A meeting was held between the Governor of Nampula, Hon. Manuel Rodrigues, and the tobacco industry and tobacco farmers to discuss and harmonize the price of tobacco for tobacco marketing campaign with the involvement of all sectors in the value chain. The trade industry of Mozambique is also consulted by Parliament when it comes to adopting legislation that affects the tobacco
industry. Governmental support for the tobacco industry is also evident in Tanzania, where government gives subsidy to the tobacco sector
and has designated the Tanzania Medicines and Drugs Authority (TMDA) as inspectors of Tobacco Products (Regulations) Act CAP 121
of 30/4/2021). The President has for instance, for the first time ever, offered TZS 11.2 bn (about $5,000,000) as subsidy to support the
tobacco sector. Countries like Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar and Mauritius, had the lowest level of industry participation in policy development
(Figure 4). In these countries, there is no industry involvement in the development of health policies and the government does not accept, approve or support policies or legislation drafted by the tobacco industry or with their cooperation.

In all countries represented in this report, there is no evidence of government nomination or allowing representatives from the tobacco industry (including State-owned) in the delegation to the COP or other subsidiary bodies or accepting their sponsorship for delegates.