4.6% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 764,000 current smokers in Cameroon
8.9% of men are current smokers but only 0.3% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-10-30
Smoking in Cameroon
Current smoking prevalence in the general population in Cameroon has been increasing sharply according to WHO trend reports. For the general population in 2000 the prevalence for current smoking was 6%; this has increased to 21% in 2015 and is projected to increase further to 43% by 2025. All of the increase in prevalence has been driven by men's smoking, which increased from 11.5% in 2000 to 41% in 2015 with a projected increase to 85% by 2025 if this trend continues. Women's current smoking prevalence has remained at 0.9% since 2000, and is projected to remain at 0.9% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2015 report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates 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.
4,532
Deaths
4,532 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Cameroon.
4.6%
tobacco smoking
In Cameroon, the estimated prevalence of Cigarettes use was 4.6% in Cameroon.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Cameroon
In Cameroon, e-cigarettes and vaping are not banned, but there is limited information on their availability and regulation. It is unclear whether vape shops operate in the country or if there are specific rules on using e-cigarettes in public places.
Due to this lack of data, vaping in public is discouraged to avoid any issues. If you have firsthand knowledge or updates on vaping regulations in Cameroon, the GSTHR team welcomes any insights. E-cigarettes is allowed.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Cameroon
There are no specific laws regarding Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) in Cameroon, including their sale, purchase, or importation for personal use. If you have any relevant and accurate information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Cameroon
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is allowed in Cameroon, and it is legal to sell NRT products. However, NRT products are not regulated as medicinal products. The government does not provide financial support, as NRT is not on the country's essential drugs list. Use of NRT is permitted by law in Cameroon.
Snus
in Cameroon
There are no available online sources providing information on the specific regulatory status of snus in Cameroon, including its import, sale, purchase, and use. If you have any relevant firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in Cameroon
There are no available sources indicating specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in Cameroon, including their sale, purchase, use, or import for personal use. If you have relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
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.