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Africa Region

Tobacco kills

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Overview

Positive change in reducing tobacco use is occurring across Africa as policymakers, public health experts and the public increasingly recognize the benefits of supporting proven tobacco control policies like those contained in the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Numerous countries across the continent have proposed or enacted strong national tobacco control measures, in part because citizens - including young advocates – are calling on governments to stand up to the tobacco industry.

Despite this progress, tobacco companies pose a serious threat to public health. Through advertising aimed at kids, misleading marketing claiming to be concerned with health, buying political influence, and the promotion of unregulated nicotine products, companies like British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International seek to recruit a new generation of users and weaken public health protections.

If current trends persist, 26% — about 413 million people — will live in Africa by 2100.

The success of efforts to protect the next generation will be determined by the level of political will to pass and implement strong policies to reduce tobacco use in Africa.

Protecting public health from tobacco is one of the most effective investments governments can make to improve health outcomes and promote sustainable development.

How We Work

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids provides technical assistance and funding for advocacy, communications, research and legal support for strong tobacco control policies and implementation.

We support the adoption of evidence-based tobacco control measures that align with the WHO FCTC. We support comprehensive smoke-free laws, advertising bans, tobacco taxation, graphic health warnings, restriction of access to minors and stronger protections against industry interference.

Because tobacco companies target young people to ensure future users of their addictive products, we work with youth advocates, civil society organizations and health leaders to counter industry tactics and ensure young voices remain at the center of policy discussions. By supporting youth-led campaigns and leadership development initiatives, we help build a generation equipped to protect their communities from tobacco-related harm.

Lasting change requires strong local leadership. We collaborate with civil society organizations, researchers, think-tanks, government institutions and regional groups across the continent to strengthen advocacy, generate evidence and drive policy reform. Together we build an Africa-wide movement that puts health before tobacco industry profits. Although globally relevant, our work in Africa is locally led.

Toll of Tobacco in Africa

Tobacco use is a leading risk factor for cancers, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases and other non-communicable diseases. These illnesses place enormous pressure on African families, healthcare systems and national economies. Beyond health impacts, tobacco use deepens poverty: Household income that could support education, nutrition and economic opportunity is instead spent on addictive products and treatment for tobacco-related diseases.

77 Million

smokers live in Africa

39%

increase in world's smokers by 2030 if no action is taken

413 Million

smokers will live in Africa by 2030 if trends persist

The Tobacco Industry

Multinational tobacco companies like British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International increasingly view Africa as a strategic market for future growth. The industry uses a range of tactics to influence policy, shape public opinion and delay effective regulation. These include lobbying, corporate social responsibility, litigation threats, front groups and marketing campaigns aimed at young people. 

Our Big Tobacco, Tiny Targets reports show how the tobacco companies target kids around their schools, and the companies use social media in massive campaigns to expose kids to their brands.

We work with partners across the continent to expose industry interference, promote transparency, and ensure that public health policies are developed in public interest.

Related Resources

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Last updated Sept. 24, 2026