Ethiopia has adopted various tobacco control laws to fulfill its obligations under the WHO FCTC, as outlined in the timeline below.

Prior to 2004, the legislative measures adopted by the Ethiopian government aimed to monopolize the tobacco industry rather than protect the public from the dangers of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. In 1942, the Tobacco Regie (Proclamation No. 30/1942) established a state monopoly to prepare, manufacture, import, distribute, and export tobacco products. This proclamation was repealed in 1980 by Proclamation No. 197/1980, which established the National Tobacco and Matches Corporation and gave the state the power to exclusively grow and process tobacco in Ethiopia. In 1999, the monopoly right of the National Tobacco Enterprise (NTE) was transferred to the National Tobacco Enterprise (Ethiopia) Share Company under Proclamation No. 181/1999. This monopolization of the tobacco industry by NTE was justified by the need to streamline tax revenues and boost employment opportunities.

Ethiopia has since made substantial progress in implementing tobacco control measures, by ratifying  the FCTC through adoption of Proclamation No 822/2014 which gave the Ethiopian Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA) the mandate to implement the WHO FCTC. The most recent law, Proclamation No. 1112/2019 adopted in 2019, is a significant milestone in the country’s public health policy.

Major Tobacco Control Articles in Proclamation No. 1112/2019

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Smoking and the use of any tobacco product is prohibited in all indoor public places, workplaces, and means of public transport. Smoking is also prohibited in the outdoor areas of schools and universities, government facilities, youth centers, and amusement parks. (Article  48)

All indirect or direct forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are similarly prohibited. Rotating text and pictorial health warnings must cover 70%  of the front and back of tobacco product packaging. Misleading packaging and labeling and other signs are prohibited. (Article 61)

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via the internet and within 100 meters of schools, health institutions, and youth centers. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of shisha, single cigarettes, and small packets of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 21. (Article 49)

Designated smoking areas cannot be set up in any place where smoking is prohibited. (Article 49 (5))

The contents of cigarettes are regulated, with bans on specific flavors and ingredients (such as those that give the impression of health benefits or are associated with energy and vitality). The law requires manufacturers and importers to disclose information on the contents and emissions of their products to government authorities. (Article 47)

The law bans the manufacture, wholesale distribution, sale or offer for sale, and import to trade of any e-cigarette or “other related cigarette-resembling technology product.” (Article  46(2))

The government is responsible for ensuring that the country’s tax policy on tobacco products is consistent with the FCTC. It shall also control illicit trade in tobacco products in accordance with the FCTC (Article 52).

Key Stakeholders in Tobacco Control

Article 5 of the FCTC mandates a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach to the implementation of tobacco control measures. It requires high-level political commitment and a whole-of-government approach.

The Ethiopia Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) is the main agency responsible for tobacco control policy development and implementation in Ethiopia, accountable to the Ministry of Health. EFDA is a regulatory agency at the federal level. As outlined below, other agencies and organizations bear responsibilities related to tobacco control. At the regional level, regional regulatory bodies and other departments are mandated with similar responsibilities in their respective regions.

Tobacco Control Actors and Their Roles

Source: EFDA, Ethiopia Tobacco Control Draft Strategic Plan 2015-2023 E.C(2023-2030/31)

Key stakeholders, including relevant ministries, civil society organizations and agencies, have been selected to establish the National Tobacco Control Coordinating Committee that oversees the implementation of the WHO- FCTC. A sub-committee called the National Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Response TEam has also been established under the National Tobacco Control Coordinating Committee.