The Civil Forum calls for an urgent strengthening of taxation on tobacco products, which it considers the most effective lever to reduce consumption that is still worrying, particularly among young people.

Meeting in a strategic workshop this Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Dakar, members of the organization analyzed ongoing reforms and advocated for more ambitious taxation. "While Senegal recently increased the ad valorem tax from 70% to 100%, those involved in the fight against tobacco believe the effort remains insufficient," explained Mouhamadou Bamba Sagna, regional coordinator of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK).

It should be noted that, according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, taxes should represent at least 70% of the final selling price. In Senegal, they hover around 45%, a level considered too low to effectively deter consumers. "The main obstacle lies in the current taxation method, based solely on the ad valorem system, meaning it is proportional to the value of the product. Experts recommend introducing a mixed system combining this tax with a specific tax set per package," he explains.

He continued: "Such a measure would allow for a significant and lasting increase in prices. Currently priced at an average of 1,500 CFA francs, a pack of cigarettes remains widely accessible. Raising the price to between 2,000 and 3,000 CFA francs could constitute a real deterrent, particularly for young people and low-income populations."

A health emergency

Smoking remains a major public health problem. Globally, it affects 1.3 billion people and causes nearly 8 million deaths each year, including 800,000 among non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.

In Senegal, the data is also worrying. The GYTS 2020 survey reveals that 9.6% of students aged 13 to 15 use tobacco products, with initiation sometimes starting as early as 7 years old.

For its part, the 2023 GATS survey indicates that 4.4% of adults are affected. Tobacco is a major risk factor for many non-communicable diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses. It is associated with more than twenty diseases affecting multiple organs.

A law outdated by market developments

Adopted in 2014, the anti-smoking law has led to significant progress, notably the introduction of health warnings and the ban on smoking in certain public places. However, it is now showing its limitations. It does not address new products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, or hookahs. Furthermore, its implementation remains incomplete in several public spaces. Faced with these shortcomings, a bill introduced in November 2023 is awaiting adoption. It aims to better regulate new products, strengthen smoke-free areas, and provide greater protection for young people. The Civil Forum is calling on the authorities to expedite its adoption.

On the same topic, Penda Ndiaye, project manager at the Civil Forum, states that this workshop is part of the "Advocacy for Tobacco Taxation" project, launched in May 2023 with the support of regional partners. "The initiative aims to increase tax revenue, reduce consumption, and alleviate healthcare costs related to non-communicable diseases," she explains. She adds that "the issue goes beyond taxation alone: it is a public health battle, to save lives and protect future generations."

She concluded: "It is in this spirit that we wanted to ensure that the new members of the entity's board were fully informed not only about taxation, but also about health risks."