Ivory Coast bans smoking and vaping in all public places

The Ivorian government has taken significant steps to reduce tobacco and vaping product use by extending existing legislation that applies to traditional tobacco products to new products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. These regulations aim to combat the health risks associated with the use of these products.

The Ivorian government spokesman announced that the Council of Ministers has adopted a decree specifying the terms of application, among other things, of the ban on smoking in public places and public transport. This decree aims to strengthen the protection of citizens against exposure to tobacco smoke, in accordance with the law of July 23, 2019 on tobacco control in Côte d'Ivoire[1].

A coherent set of measures to reduce consumption

The government has banned smoking and vaping in public spaces, including on public transport, in workplaces, in schools, in healthcare facilities and in outdoor spaces such as parks and stadiums. This ban aims to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and to protect public health. In addition, the sale of tobacco and vaping products near schools and hospitals has been restricted to create a protective zone around these places.

Other measures include banning all forms of tobacco and vaping advertising, sponsorship and promotional discounts. Cigarette packs must now carry prominent health warnings, covering a large portion of the surface. Retailers must also obtain official licenses to sell tobacco products, which should allow the government to exercise greater oversight and ensure compliance with regulations. The inclusion of e-cigarettes and other new products in the scope of these measures reflects the Ivorian government’s efforts to address market developments and prevent nicotine addiction among young people.

Ivory Coast, a good student in the fight against smoking in Africa

In November 2024, Côte d'Ivoire took a significant step in its fight against smoking by introducing plain packaging for tobacco products, becoming the second African country, after Mauritius, to adopt this measure.[2]. This regulation imposes strict standardization of tobacco packages, making them free of any advertising and displaying a standardized color and texture. The main objective is to reduce the appeal of tobacco products, particularly among young people, and to strengthen the effectiveness of health warnings.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids called the move crucial to protecting Africa's youth and hopes it can serve as a catalyst for similar initiatives around the world, particularly on the African continent.

Ensure that prohibitions are properly enforced

The decree imposes several obligations on those responsible for public places, whether enclosed or open-air, as well as on public transport operators. These include: installing visible signs informing about the smoking and vaping ban; removing ashtrays from the areas concerned; ensuring compliance with the smoking and vaping bans; and implementing measures to dissuade the public from smoking, including, if necessary, calling on law enforcement or the competent authorities to ensure enforcement. Offenders, whether individuals or businesses, are liable to fines or legal proceedings. The regulations apply uniformly throughout the country and awareness campaigns are also launched to inform citizens about the new laws and the health consequences of tobacco and vaping products.

These new measures confirm Côte d'Ivoire's determination to comply with the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which the country has ratified, in order to sustainably reduce tobacco consumption. More than 9,000 Ivorians die prematurely each year from diseases caused by tobacco consumption. The prevalence rate in Ivory Coast is estimated at more than 14,130 of the total population, with a rising proportion among young people (19,130 of 13-15 year-olds are smokers according to the WHO).

AE

[1] Ivory Coast: Smoking ban in public places and on public transport extended to new tobacco products, Abidjan.net, published on January 15, 2025, consulted on January 21, 2025

[2] Tobacco-free generation, Ivory Coast is the second African country to adopt plain packaging, Abidjan.net, published June 9, 2024, consulted January 21, 2025