3 min read
Africa: The Next Frontier of the Tobacco Epidemic
Africa has the world's lowest smoking prevalence—and the world's fastest-growing cigarette market. The industry is investing heavily. The public health infrastructure is minimal. Africa is where the tobacco epidemic will be won or lost.
Smoking prevalence in Africa is low—around 10% on average. It's also rising—driven by population growth, economic development, and aggressive industry marketing. **Africa is where the global tobacco epidemic will be won or lost in the 21st century. The smoking rates are low enough that prevention could avert an epidemic. The public health infrastructure is weak enough that the epidemic could explode. The window for prevention is open. It will not stay open forever.**
