Abuja, Nigeria// – A recent undercover investigation in Nigeria revealed that volunteers dressed in high school uniforms posing as students were able to purchase cigarettes and vapes in different stores despite existing laws prohibiting their sale to minors.
This alarming discovery sparks public outcry urging the government to strengthen enforcement measures.
Despite the implementation of tobacco control laws across Africa, a pressing concern remains the targeting of children by Big Tobacco through new products and insidious marketing tactics.
Most countries have banned direct tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS). Yet, the industry finds ways to circumvent these regulations, endangering the health and well-being of our children and youth.
Recent findings have revealed alarming trends across the continent:
- Kenya: Big Tobacco has allocated a staggering £1 billion towards influencer marketing in an attempt to lure young people into the grip of nicotine addiction.
This troubling strategy has led to a disturbing trend: 6.0% of primary school students and 14.5% of secondary school students in Kenya have used tobacco because the industry has marketed the use of these products as trendy and offers flavoured options.
- Zambia: Smoking prevalence is rising, defying the downward trend observed in other countries, signalling an urgent need for heightened intervention.
The tobacco industry in Zambia is heavily involved in corporate social responsibility activities that target youth.
However, the industry’s use of deceptive Corporate Social Responsibility to discourage underage smoking is ironic, as they simultaneously run campaigns depicting smoking as trendy to build brand exposure and favour the government.
- Senegal: Despite efforts, Philip Morris maintains a significant presence, perpetuating the cycle of tobacco addiction among the youth.
With 11.5% of youth aged 13-15 years using tobacco products, stricter regulations for companies like Philip Morris are essential to protect this demographic from the harmful effects of tobacco and prevent lifelong addiction.
- South Africa: South Africa is one of the five leading producers of cigarettes in Africa and has shamelessly used social media influencers to push their products to young people, flouting local advertising laws online and further exposing impressionable minds to harmful tobacco products.
“According to a 2024 report from the World Health Organization about 37 million children ages 13 to 15 around the world use tobacco, governments across Africa must strengthen their resolve to protect our children and youth from the harms of tobacco by enforcing existing regulations and implementing measures to curb the industry’s activities,” shared Maryam Ahmad, #LungLiveAfrica campaign manager.
We’re rallying for stronger action against the tobacco industry’s exploitation in Africa through an online and petition campaign #LungLiveAfrica #ViveLafrique (see campaign resources below).
As advocates for public health and the well-being of future generations, we call upon all stakeholders, including media, policymakers, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens, to unite and we call upon African leaders to:
- Enforce strict tobacco control policies, including bans on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
- Implement complete bans on vapes, e-cigarettes, and shisha to safeguard our youth.
- Reject partnerships with the tobacco industry that undermine public health objectives.
- Invest in public education to raise awareness about tobacco dangers.
- Combat online tobacco advertising with fines and penalties.
- Create smoke-free environments to shield non-smokers.
Sign the #LungLIveAfrica Petition Access Campaign Resources
Contribute to the conversation online using the #LungLiveAfrica #ViveLafrique
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