As of latest available statistics which are from 2011, an estimated 790,800 adults in Mozambique were current users of traditional smokeless tobacco, representing 5.4% of the adult population. Use of this product was significantly higher among women (7.9%) compared to men (2.5%). Daily use was also common, with 5.2% of adults using smokeless tobacco every day—7.3% of women and 2.2% of men reported daily use. From regulatory standpoint, traditional smokeless tobacco is allowed in Mozambique and is regulated as a tobacco product. It is also legal to purchase it online. However, packaging is required to carry health warnings and the sale of these products is restricted to individuals 18 years and older.
Prevalence
- 1. WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-moz.pdf?sfvrsn=a033291b_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025. 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-moz.pdf?sfvrsn=a033291b_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
- Adults survey: Inquérito Demográfico e de Saúde de Moçambique, 2011; National, ages 15-64 World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
- Adults survey: Inquérito Demográfico e de Saúde de Moçambique, 2011; National, ages 15-64
Product promotion
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-moz.pdf?sfvrsn=a033291b_3&download=true. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Regulation
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-moz.pdf?sfvrsn=a033291b_3&download=true. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Availability
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-moz.pdf?sfvrsn=a033291b_3&download=true. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Regulations and restrictions
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-moz.pdf?sfvrsn=a033291b_3&download=true. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Publications
Tobacco harm reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa
With the number of tobacco users across the continent set to rise by 2025, we look at the current state of tobacco harm reduction in the region, assessing the progress made so far and the obstacles preventing greater adoption of safer nicotine products.
