
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
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%.
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.
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.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Botswana
In Botswana it is illegal to sell nicotine for using NRT.
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.
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.