Zambia Faces Growing Nicotine Threat as New Survey Reveals Changing Tobacco Trends

By Alain Kabinda

Zambia is facing a shifting tobacco and nicotine landscape as new research reveals growing use of both traditional tobacco and emerging nicotine products among adults, prompting renewed calls for stronger public health interventions and tighter regulation.

The findings were unveiled during the launch of the “Tobacco and Nicotine Products Use Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Adults in Zambia – A Spot Check Survey”, presented alongside the Joint Tobacco and Nicotine Spot Check Prevalence Report in Lusaka.

Researchers and health experts say the survey comes at a critical moment, as Zambia and other African countries confront the rapid rise of alternative nicotine products including e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, shisha, and heated tobacco devices.

Speaking during the launch, Ministry of Health representative Dr. Sichone Chrispine described the survey as an important step toward understanding changing patterns of nicotine use in the country.

Dr. Sichone said the findings provide government and health institutions with valuable evidence needed to strengthen tobacco control strategies and respond effectively to emerging public health risks.

“The tobacco industry is evolving, and so are the products being introduced onto the market. We must ensure that policy, public awareness, and regulation evolve just as quickly,” he said.

The spot check survey examined the prevalence of tobacco and nicotine use among adults while also identifying associated social and behavioural factors influencing consumption patterns.

And Health experts noted that economic stress, peer influence, accessibility of products, advertising exposure, and limited awareness about the health risks associated with newer nicotine products continue to drive usage among many adults.

Health experts have warned that modern nicotine products are increasingly being marketed as trendy, socially acceptable alternatives to cigarettes, particularly through social media campaigns and flavoured packaging designed to attract younger consumers.

And speaking during the launch Centre for Primary Care Research (CPCR) Executive Director Professor Fastone Goma stated that Zambia is now witnessing a changing nicotine environment where traditional tobacco products are being supplemented by a growing range of modern alternatives.

Professor Goma cautioned that while some companies portray these products as less harmful, they still contain addictive nicotine capable of causing long-term health consequences.

He stressed that without stronger regulation and public education; Zambia could face rising levels of nicotine dependency across both urban and rural communities.

The survey also highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based policymaking, with researchers emphasizing that reliable local data is critical for monitoring trends, designing prevention programmes, and evaluating tobacco control measures.

And Lead researcher Robert Mwale from the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) said the findings should encourage stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, researchers, healthcare professionals, and communities.

He noted that tackling tobacco and nicotine use requires a coordinated national response that balances regulation, education, and public health advocacy.

Meanwhile, Ms. Mbaita Maka reaffirmed the commitment of Development Gateway to supporting data-driven public health initiatives across Africa.

She emphasized that accurate and timely data remains essential in helping governments make informed decisions that protect citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.

Ms. Maka also called for stronger enforcement of tobacco laws, increased taxes on nicotine products, restrictions on youth-focused advertising, and wider access to smoking cessation services.

As Zambia continues to navigate evolving public health challenges, experts say the new survey serves as both a warning and an opportunity — a warning about the expanding reach of nicotine products, and an opportunity for authorities to intervene early before the country faces a deeper addiction crisis.