Last year, Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services said it planned to amend the nation’s Tobacco Act to include nicotine products used for vaping and water pipes, which are currently not regulated. The amendment was initiated to curb the rising use of both segments in Namibia.
In 2020, Namibia imported N$108.2 million ($6 million) worth of water pipe tobacco (hookah tobacco), vapes, and related mixtures. The combined number between 2021 and 2024 topped N$1.4 billion ($77 million). Over that same period, Namibia spent an additional N$82.2 million ($4.5 million) on the imports of snuff and tobacco extracts.
Traditional smoking also remains a concern, with Namibia importing N$42.1 million ($2.3 million) worth of cigarettes in March 2025 alone.
