3.1% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 2.2 million current smokers in Ethiopia
5.5% of men are current smokers but only 0.9% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-04-24
Smoking in Ethiopia
Current smoking prevalence has decreased only slightly for both men and women in Ethiopia according to WHO trend data. The overall prevalence of current smoking has remained at around 4.4% since 2000, and is projected to stay at around 4% until 2025. For men, smoking prevalence has remained at around 8% and is projected to remain at that level; similarly, women’ smoking prevalence was just over 0.5% in 2000, and is projected to decrease to just under 0.3% over the same period. 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.
8,395
Deaths
In Ethiopia, 8395 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
3.1%
tobacco smoking
The prevalence of current tobacco smoking among adults is 3.1%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, vaping is banned by law. E-cigarettes are not regulated as a consumer, medicinal, or tobacco product, but their manufacture, wholesale, distribution, sale, and import for trade are all prohibited.
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2016) found that only 0.2% of respondents in Ethiopia had ever tried vaping.
There is a total ban on advertising, and vaping is restricted in public places. While some online sources claim to sell e-cigarettes, these claims cannot be confirmed. If you have firsthand experience on this, the GSTHR team would appreciate your information.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has banned Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) following their introduction to the market. Under these regulations, the importation for trade, sale, and advertising of HTPs is prohibited. However, a small quantity of HTPs is allowed to be imported for personal use. HTP is legal to use.
Snus
in Ethiopia
There are no online sources providing information on specific regulations regarding Snus in Ethiopia. However, information obtained from an industry source in 2014 suggests that Snus is permitted in the country, including its import, sale, purchase, and use. If you have any relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in Ethiopia
There are no available sources indicating specific laws regarding nicotine pouches in Ethiopia, 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.