Schools Face Tobacco Threat

TFAZ says flavoured cigarettes and strategic advertising are driving a new generation of smokers in Zambia.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

 Lusaka, Zambia24 (11-01-2026)

The Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TFAZ) has warned that tobacco companies are deliberately targeting school children in Zambia, exploiting weak tobacco control laws by using flavoured cigarettes, single sticks, and small packs to attract young smokers, especially as schools reopen.

Kumbuso Phiri, TFAZ Youth Advocate, said, “Young people are being manipulated into smoking through clever marketing. This threatens the health and future of Zambia’s children.”

TFAZ research shows that about 60% of smokers start at age 13, and 90% are addicted by age 20. 

“Without stronger regulations, Zambia faces a growing youth smoking problem with serious health, social, and economic consequences,” Phiri added.

The association explained that tobacco companies use four main tactics to attract children. 

These include advertising and promotion, selling single cigarettes, offering flavoured products, and placing items near schools. British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International are the primary companies involved, according to TFAZ.

Phiri said cigarettes are often displayed behind counters, on posters, in store windows, or alongside sweets and biscuits.

 “Single cigarettes are cheap and easy to hide, so minors can smoke without seeing health warnings. Flavoured cigarettes make smoking sweeter and serve as starter products for young people,” he explained.

TFAZ urged the Zambian government to act immediately.

 “The government should ban marketing of tobacco products to children, prohibit sales near schools, ban flavoured cigarettes and small packaging, and ensure all shops display clear tobacco warnings,” Phiri said.

The association warned that failing to act could trigger a major tobacco epidemic in Zambia, with long-term health, social, economic, and environmental consequences.

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