1. Political Economy
What characterises the political, economic, and regulatory context of harmful alcohol use in SA and Botswana, including strategies by industry to further their interests?
Political economy of the alcohol environment
Work Package 1
What characterises the political, economic, and regulatory context of harmful alcohol use in SA and Botswana, including strategies by industry to further their interests?
Work Package 1 (WP1) examines the political, economic, and regulatory context shaping harmful alcohol use in South Africa and Botswana. This includes analysing how alcohol is produced, distributed, marketed, and governed, as well as understanding how industry actors influence policy and regulatory environments to advance their interests. The aim is to develop a comprehensive picture of the alcohol supply landscape and the broader systems that enable or constrain alcohol-related harm.
This work focuses on characterising the alcohol supply context and reviewing national and regional alcohol policies in both countries. By examining laws, regulations, and industry strategies, WP1 synthesises global and local evidence to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities within current policy frameworks. The findings will contribute to building an independent evidence base to inform effective, context-appropriate policies and interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm and protect public health.