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11.7% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 181,781 current smokers in Namibia

19.8% of men are current smokers but only 4.4% of women

Quick links to detailed datasheets for Namibia
Country profile
Data sourced: 2022.   Page updated: 2023-10-10

Smoking in Namibia

The current smoking prevalence in the general population in Namibia is set to increase slightly by 2025. In 2000 the overall prevalence was estimated to be around 20%; this changed very little by 2015, with a projection to increase slightly to 21% by 2025. This increase in prevalence has been driven entirely by men's smoking, which increased from 28% to 32% between 2000 and 2015, and is projected to increase further to 36% by 2025 according to WHO trend data. By contrast, women's smoking during the same period decreased from 13% in 2000 to 9% in 2015, and is projected to reduce to around 7% 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.

1,033

Deaths

1033 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Namibia.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Namibia

There is no specific law regarding e-cigarettes. If you have an update please e-mail the GSTHR team. There are reportedly some restrictions on vaping in public places but the use of non cig-a-like e-cigarettes appears to be exempt from restriction.

Heated Tobacco Products

in Namibia

You can't advertise HTP in Namibia.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Namibia

In Namibia you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT. NRT is legal to market. NRT are available in Pharmacy.

Snus

in Namibia

Snus is allowed. Snus is legal to use.

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.