Top Stories from Rwanda
8.6% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 688,622 current smokers in Rwanda
14.4% of men are current smokers but only 3.1% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-04-24
Smoking in Rwanda
Current smoking trends for the overall adult population in Rwanda show a decrease from 2000 (15%) to 2015 (10%), with a projection to decrease further to 9% by 2025. For women there has been a downwards year by year trend in smoking prevalence, starting and remaining very low, from 6.5% in 2000 to 4% in 2015, and projected to be around 3.5% by 2025. For men the trend has gone in the same direction, downwards, with 25% being current smokers in 2000, 18% in 2015 and a projection of around 16% 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 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.
4,758
Deaths
In Rwanda, 4758 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
8.6%
tobacco smoking
The prevalence of current tobacco smoking among adults is 8.6%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Rwanda
In Rwanda, some sources suggest that there are no specific regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping. However, other references state that e-cigarettes are banned, their use in public places is prohibited, and travelers cannot bring them for personal use.
If you plan to use e-cigarettes in Rwanda, it is advised to cautious and avoid vaping in public places. Also, if you have firsthand experience or insights on vaping regulations in Rwanda, please email the GSTHR team.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Rwanda
Rwanda does not have specific laws regarding Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), including their sale, purchase, and importation for personal use. If you have any related and accurate information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Rwanda
You can't advertise NRT in Rwanda.
Snus
in Rwanda
There are no online sources indicating specific regulations regarding Snus in Rwanda, including its import, sale, purchase, and use. If you have any relevant or firsthand information, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Pouches
in Rwanda
Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper
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.