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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
While global tobacco production has dropped nearly 19% since 2012, Africa is bucking the trend — output on the continent rose by 9% over the same period. A new WHO report warns this dual burden of growing raw tobacco and importing more cigarettes is fueling health, environmental, and economic harm. The WHO is calling for stronger support to help African nations diversify away from tobacco dependence.
While the rest of the world has been quietly stepping back from tobacco farming, Africa is moving in the opposite direction. A new WHO analysis reveals that global tobacco-leaf production fell by nearly 19% between 2012 and 2024 — but Africa's output climbed by almost 9% over the same period. Five countries — Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Uganda — account for the vast majority of the continent's tobacco output, with East Africa alone responsible for nearly 90% of African production.
What makes this especially concerning is the double-edged nature of the problem: African countries are both growing more raw tobacco and spending far more to import manufactured cigarettes, with that import bill more than doubling over the same period. WHO officials stress this isn't just a public health issue — it's a trade, development, and environmental crisis wrapped into one.
By the Numbers
Why it matters: Tobacco farming brings serious risks — from green tobacco sickness and pesticide exposure to child labor and deforestation — while delivering limited economic benefit for most countries. The WHO is urging trade and development policies to align with public health goals and support farmers in transitioning to sustainable alternatives.
