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Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT and snus in Botswana

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  3. Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT and snus in Botswana
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Botswana Flag
Cigarettes
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Botswana Background
Profile
Botswana Flag
Cigarettes
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT

14.7% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 234,642 current smokers in Botswana

26.4% of men are current smokers but only 3.4% of women

Country profile
Data sourced: 2025.   Page updated: 2025-04-24

Smoking in Botswana

Current smoking trends for the overall adult population in Botswa show a slight increase from 2000 (19.4%) to 2015 (19.8%), with a projection to increase further to around 21% by 2025. For women there has been a gradual, downwards year by year trend, from 7.6% in 2000 to 5.5% in 2015, and projected to be around 4.6% by 2025. For men the trend goes in the opposite direction, with 31.5% being current smokers in 2000, 34% in 2015 and a projection of around 37% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.

1,188

Deaths

1188 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Botswana.

14.7%

tobacco smoking

Adult tobacco smoking prevalence is 14.7%.

Details & datasheet on smoking in Botswana

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Botswana

Vaping is allowed in Botswana, and vape products are marketed and available, though they may not be as common as in some other countries. Travelers can generally bring vape devices for personal use, but it’s best to check airline guidelines before flying to avoid any issues. While there are no explicit age restrictions, vaping is discouraged for children. It is also advised to vape in private to prevent any potential problems.
Overall, vaping in Botswana is legal, but users should be mindful of availability, travel regulations, and social norms. E-cigarettes is allowed.

Details & datasheet on vaping in Botswana

Heated Tobacco Products

in Botswana

Botswana does not have specific laws regarding Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs). However, under general tobacco product regulations, it is illegal to sell, import, market, advertise any forms of tobacco products and use them in public places. The minimum age for tobacco product sale is 21 years.

Details & datasheet on HTP in Botswana

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Botswana

In Botswana it is illegal to sell nicotine for using NRT.

Details & datasheet on NRT in Botswana

Snus

in Botswana

There are no online sources that provide information about the specific regulations on snus in Botswana. However, information obtained from an industry source in 2014 indicates that snus is permitted in the country.

Details & datasheet on snus in Botswana

Pouches

in Botswana

There are no available sources indicating specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in Botswana, including their sale, purchase, use, or import for personal use. If you have relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.

Details & datasheet on pouches in Botswana
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.
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