Tobacco Control in Africa - TCA

Rendez-vous with Marie Maurisse

Cyberinterview with Marie Maurisse, author of the investigative report The blazing success of Swiss cigarettes in Africa.

Philip Morris in talks to buy Majority stake in Kenyan Tobacco company

Kenya’s Mastermind Tobacco is expected to sell its majority stake to Philip Morris International Inc, at undisclosed amount if their current talks conclude successfully. Mastermind manufacture brands that target the poorer smokers in the region with brands such as Supermatch, Superman, Rocket and Rally.

Tobacco control experts from 13 African countries meet in Kenya

Tobacco control experts from 13 African countries meet in Nairobi, Kenya to chart the way forward to accelerate implementation of graphic health warnings on tobacco packages. The workshop was supported by WHO Regional Office for Africa. They included Members of Africa Tobacco control Alliance . Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance, World Health Organization Africa Region amongst others.

Africa seems to be lagging behind when it comes to pictorial warnings on cigarettes packs , and even plain packaging. This is blamed on feasibility and unwillingness from Tobacco companies. Although the deliberations of the meetings have not been made public , we will continue to monitor the situation keenly. Less than 15 African countries have pictorial warnings on their cigarette packets , with some claiming that this will have very little impact since most smokers in Africa purchase single stick cigarettes.

Made in Switzerland's cigarettes sold in Africa more toxic

This investigation by Marie Maurisse that won an investigation award from Public Eye focused on Morocco shows that cigarettes made in Switzerland and sold in Africa by Big Tobacco companies are more toxic (more nicotine, more tar) than those sold in Europe.

Cape Verde new tobacco control law

Tobacco control in Cape Verde has picked up a notch. The fight against tobacco will go through a ban on smoking indoors and control of sales to minors, according to a plan that will help implement the new law that is expected to be approved soon.

Malawi turning to Marijuana farming after tobacco demand dwindles

Malawi is set to become the next African country to legalize marijuana farming in a bid to boost its economy. This comes as its major foreign exchange earner tobacco starts to see the impact of a decades-long global anti-smoking lobby led by organizations including the World Health Organization and other African based tobacco control organizations.