Despite Malawi ratifying the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in August 2023, the lack of a comprehensive tobacco control policy is contributing to weak and inconsistent enforcement, according to the Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 results and findings.
Presenting the results and findings in Lilongwe at the launch of the 2025 Malawi Tobacco Industry Interference Index report, Executive Director of Drug Fight Malawi, Nelson Baziwelo Zakeyu said a February 2025 stakeholders’ meeting marked modest progress, with no tobacco industry representatives present, indicating formal exclusion from health policy discussions.
“However, government actions, especially through the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade, continue to promote the tobacco industry. This bias was evident in Malawi’s delegation to COP10, which included officials aligned with protecting tobacco’s economic role. While not directly involved in policymaking, the industry’s influence continues to shape national priorities behind the scenes,” he said
The report further shows that Malawi continues to prioritize economic interests over public health by heavily supporting the tobacco industry.
“The lack of formal tobacco control laws allows the industry to benefit from various incentives, including tax exemptions, export allowances, subsidies, and loans. The government’s strong backing is further highlighted by the president’s annual role in launching the tobacco marketing season, symbolizing deep political endorsement.
“In Malawi, the government maintains a close relationship with the tobacco industry that goes beyond regulatory needs, conflicting with WHO FCTC Article 5.3, which advises limiting such ties to only when strictly necessary. High-ranking officials, including President Lazarus Chakwera, have publicly supported the industry, with events like his 2024 meeting at Kamuzu Palace seen as endorsements.
“Ministers of Agriculture and other government bodies have also actively engaged in industry events, such as the 2023 Tobacco Leaf Integrity Conference. Additionally, law enforcement collaborates with the industry in anti-smuggling operations, showing how state resources are used to support tobacco interests,” said Zakeyu
The report further finds that Malawi has not established comprehensive safeguards to protect public health policies from tobacco industry influence, despite ratifying the WHO FCTC in 2023.
“The country has yet to implement Article 5.3 guidelines, and there is no formal system for disclosing government-industry interactions or monitoring conflicts of interest. The general Code of Ethics does not address tobacco-related issues, and the Tobacco Commission lacks requirements for industry transparency, including data on production or lobbying. There are also no restrictions on gifts or contributions to officials and no awareness programs on FCTC obligations. These gaps leave Malawi vulnerable to industry interference and highlight the need for stronger preventive measures,” reads part of the report
Among other recommendations, Zakeyu said Malawi must urgently develop and implement a national tobacco control policy and regulatory framework that aligns with WHO FCTC obligations and that Civil society organizations (CSOs) should be empowered to collaborate with the government in shaping, monitoring, and supporting this policy.
“Government should establish Mandatory Transparency Protocols for Government–Industry Interactions. Formal procedures must be introduced to ensure full disclosure of all interactions between public officials and the tobacco industry. Publishing agendas, minutes, attendees, and outcomes will promote transparency and strengthen accountability and adopt a Tobacco-Specific Code of Conduct for Public Officials
A dedicated code of conduct should guide public officials in managing interactions with the tobacco industry, address conflicts of interest, prohibit gifts, and enforce penalties. This will help insulate public health policy from undue influence.
“Malawi should also prohibit political contributions from the Tobacco Industry. New legislation must ban political donations from the tobacco industry to parties or candidates. CSOs should assist electoral bodies in monitoring and enforcing this prohibition and mandate Comprehensive Industry Reporting and Public Awareness Programs. The tobacco industry should be required to submit detailed reports. Simultaneously, a nationwide awareness program on WHO FCTC Article 5.3 should train stakeholders to resist interference and implement reforms,” he said
