The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has expressed deep concern over government and private-sector celebrations surrounding the expansion of the tobacco industry, despite acknowledging ongoing national efforts to attract investment, promote value addition, and create jobs for citizens.
ZACA
General Secretary Juba Sakala said that while developments such as the newly
commissioned Great Leaf Tobacco Processing Plant in Kabwe may stimulate
employment and agricultural activity, tobacco remains a uniquely harmful
product whose long-term social and economic costs far outweigh its perceived
benefits.
This
concern comes at a time when growing calls are being made for Zambia to
strengthen regulation of tobacco consumption and sales, amid global statistics
showing that tobacco kills more than 7 million people each year.
Mr.
Sakala emphasized that, unlike other crops, tobacco kills half of its users
when used exactly as intended. He warned that Zambia continues to record
increasing cases of tobacco-related cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and
respiratory illnesses.
He
noted that any short-term economic gains from tobacco processing are
overshadowed by the long-term healthcare burden placed on taxpayers, families, and
the national health system.
ZACA also highlighted the risks faced by small-scale farmers—particularly women and children—who are exposed to hazardous pesticides and green tobacco sickness, a condition caused by absorbing nicotine through the skin.
Mr. Sakala added that
many tobacco farmers remain stuck in cycles of poverty due to unfair contract
farming systems that leave them with minimal profit after deductions and loan
repayments.
He
urged government to assist farmers in transitioning to sustainable, high-value
alternative crops, in line with Zambia’s obligations under the WHO Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which discourages incentives for tobacco
production, processing, and promotion.
“Investments
that appear economically beneficial today must not undermine the health and
development of future generations,” Mr. Sakala said.
ZACA
is calling for a national strategy to reduce reliance on tobacco by gradually
shifting farmers to other crops, boosting consumer awareness of tobacco harms,
and protecting communities—especially youth—from tobacco industry influence.
“True
development should protect public health, promote sustainable livelihoods, and
empower our citizens, not expand an industry known for disease, addiction, and
environmental harm,” Mr. Sakala added.
ZACA
reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a healthier and more prosperous
Zambia.
By Samuel Mbewe
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