Senegal’s Price Hike on Tobacco Products a Huge Win for Public Health and Economic Growth

Washington, D.C. – A new law that will significantly raise the price of tobacco products in Senegal is a huge win for public health and an important step toward generating revenue for government priorities. The Senegalese National Assembly voted last week to increase tobacco taxes, following an announcement by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko just last month. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauds the Senegalese government for taking such swift action to pass these life-saving public health policies into law.

Raising the price of tobacco products through taxes is the single most effective measure to drive down rates of tobacco use and prevent young people from ever starting to smoke. The new law comes at a crucial time for Senegal and will raise significant revenue to help stimulate economic growth. These measures will also prevent millions of Senegalese youth from facing lifelong addiction at the hands of Big Tobacco companies.

In Senegal and around the world, tobacco companies will stop at nothing to hook new users. Tobacco companies rely on kids as new customers to replace those who die from tobacco-related diseases. Their business model is built on addicting new generations – no matter the cost.

Senegal’s new law sends a strong message to Big Tobacco companies that public health, protecting youth and building a strong economy are more important than the interests of tobacco companies. Senegal’s commitment to driving down rates of tobacco use through tobacco taxes must be commended and should serve as a model to other African nations working to create a healthier future for all.