Zambia’s Adoption of Tobacco Control Legislation Signals a Turning Point for Africa
For immediate release
Zambia’s Adoption of Tobacco Control Legislation Signals a Turning Point for Africa
Statement from the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA)
Lome, 05 May 2026
The African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) congratulates the Republic of Zambia on the historic adoption of the Tobacco Control Bill. This landmark achievement represents a decisive step forward for public health in a country where progress has long been hindered by the scale of tobacco cultivation and the entrenched presence of major multinational tobacco corporations. Zambia’s bold action sends a powerful message across the continent: that the health and well‑being of citizens must always take precedence over tobacco industry profits.
The newly adopted legislation bans all advertising and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products, prohibits sales to minors to prevent early addiction, and restricts government engagement with the tobacco industry in line with Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC. It also establishes smoke‑free public places to protect people from secondhand smoke and provides cessation services to support those wishing to quit. Importantly, it creates a dedicated Tobacco Control Fund, an essential mechanism to ensure sustainable financing for enforcement and long‑term tobacco control efforts. These measures form a robust and forward‑looking framework that positions Zambia as a leader in tobacco control on the African continent.
ATCA commends the Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, for its steadfast leadership and clarity of purpose in championing a law that prioritizes the health and well‑being of Zambians, despite prolonged pressure from the tobacco industry. We further applaud the Members of Parliament who took the courageous decision to stand firmly on the side of public health. Their vote reflects principled leadership and a deep sense of responsibility to the Zambian people. We cannot forget the tireless efforts of civil society organizations, journalists, and public health advocates whose vigilance ensured that the bill remained robust, evidence‑based, and aligned with Zambia’s international obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Today’s victory is monumental; however, it is just the beginning of a new chapter. Effective implementation will require continued commitment, adequate resources, and strong multisectoral coordination. We look up to the President of the Republic of Zambia to quickly assent the Bill to maintain this historic momentum. Timely assent will ensure that the implementation process begins without delay and that the gains achieved through years of advocacy are not eroded.
Zambia’s achievement carries significance far beyond its borders. As one of Africa’s major tobacco‑growing countries, part of the so‑called T5, where the tobacco industry has historically exerted deep economic and political influence, the country has long been considered one of the most challenging environments for advancing tobacco control. The adoption of this law demonstrates that meaningful progress is not only possible in such contexts, but achievable when governments, lawmakers, civil society, and the media stand firm in their commitment to public health.
This milestone renews hope for other tobacco‑growing nations across the continent. It shows that even in settings where the industry is deeply entrenched, strong leadership, evidence‑based advocacy, and multisectoral collaboration can overcome long‑standing barriers. Zambia has proven that the narrative can change, and that protecting citizens from tobacco harm is both realistic and within reach.
ATCA is proud to have supported this journey. Through financial and sustained technical assistance to civil society partners in Zambia, we worked collectively to counter industry interference, strengthen advocacy, and build the evidence base that contributed to this milestone. We reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting Zambia as it moves toward full implementation of this law, and to stand with every African country striving to advance tobacco control and safeguard public health.
This milestone is a victory for Zambia, a victory for Africa, and a victory for future generations.
A tobacco-free Africa is possible.
Media contact: communication@atca-africa.org
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The African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) is a non-profit, non-political Pan-African network of civil society organizations headquartered in Lome, Togo. With membership in 39 countries, ATCA is dedicated to promoting public health and curbing the tobacco epidemic in the continent. The alliance is an Observer to WHO-FCTC Conference of Parties, and Meeting of the Parties (MOP) of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. It has a Special Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC, it is certified with the equivalence of a US Public Charity organization, and it is accredited as a regional non-state actor with WHO AFRO.
