Tobacco Industry in Togo

Workers in a tobacco field in Togo

The tobacco industry in Togo…a tale of growth, transformation, and impact. It’s an intriguing story, filled with ambition, challenges, and fascinating dynamics. The industry’s evolution is intertwined with Togo’s history and its current economic landscape. This isn’t just about the cultivation of a plant, but a complex web of trade, policies, and the people involved. From the titans of industry to the farmers in the fields, each has a story to tell. So, let’s take a journey…behind the smoke, into the heart of Togo’s tobacco industry.

Togo, a West African nation, has an intricate relationship with tobacco. The tobacco industry in Togo is a subject that requires meticulous attention due to its societal implications and impact on public health.

A Glimpse at the Tobacco Consumption in Togo

In Togo, tobacco consumption is a significant concern. Among men and women aged 15 to 49, 11.9 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively, use tobacco. This prevalence of tobacco use poses a significant challenge for public health.

The Role of Youth in Tobacco Consumption

The youth of Togo are not left out of the tobacco consumption narrative. Among the youth aged 13 to 15, 8.4 percent use tobacco products. Boys, in particular, have a higher rate of tobacco use than girls in the same age range, with 11.3 percent of boys and 4.3 percent of girls engaging in tobacco use.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Togo

Not only are the active smokers affected, but the exposure to secondhand smoke also poses a risk to the Togolese population. A significant percentage of the youth, 25.9 percent, are exposed to secondhand smoke inside enclosed public places, and 20.1 percent are exposed at home.

The Key Players in Togo’s Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry in Togo is dominated by three multinational companies: Philip Morris International (PMI), Imperial Tobacco, and British American Tobacco (BAT). These companies together account for 87 percent of the tobacco market in Togo, which is entirely dependent on imports.

The Health Consequences of Smoking in Togo

The consumption of tobacco has far-reaching health consequences for the Togolese population. Every year, more than 2,600 Togolese are killed from smoking-related causes, with an average of 37 men and 14 women dying from smoking-related causes every week.

Togo’s Commitment to WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Togo ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on November 15, 2005. This commitment to global tobacco control efforts is a positive step towards the goal of reducing tobacco consumption and its associated harms.

Smoke-Free Places in Togo

As part of its commitment to the WHO Framework Convention, Togo has implemented smoking prohibitions in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and means of public transport, except for designated smoking areas in certain locations.

The Ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship

Togo hastaken stringent measures to control the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. Virtually all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are banned, and all forms of financial or other tobacco sponsorship are also prohibited.

Regulations on Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Togo has imposed regulations on tobacco packaging and labeling. Tobacco product packages must display rotating, text-only health warnings on 65 percent of each principal display area. The use of misleading terms such as “light” and “low” are prohibited on tobacco packaging, although other misleading packaging elements, such as colors, numbers, and symbols, are not prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Pricing in Togo

The Current State of Tobacco Excise Taxes

The taxation and pricing of tobacco products is a crucial part of tobacco control strategies. The World Health Organization recommends that tobacco excise taxes account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. However, in Togo, tobacco excise taxes are well below these recommendations.

Conclusion

The tobacco industry in Togo is a complex and multifaceted issue. The presence of multinational companies, high rates of tobacco consumption, particularly among the youth, and the health consequences of tobacco use are some of the pressing issues. However, Togo has shown commitment to tobacco control through adherence to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the implementation of various control measures. Despite these efforts, there is still a long way to go, especially in the area of tobacco taxation, to ensure the health and wellbeing of the Togolese population.

Statistics:

In Togo, tobacco use varies by age and gender. Among men and women aged 15-49, 11.9 percent of men and 0.7 percent of women use tobacco. For youth aged 13-15, 8.4 percent use tobacco products, with a higher prevalence in boys (11.3 percent) than girls (4.3 percent).

Secondhand smoke exposure is also a significant issue, especially among the youth. Among 13-15 year-olds, 25.9 percent are exposed to secondhand smoke in enclosed public places, and 20.1 percent are exposed at home.

Despite having a lower average smoking-related death rate than other low-income countries, Togo still sees significant health impacts from tobacco use. Every year, over 2,600 Togolese die from smoking-related causes.

In terms of market revenue, the Smoking Tobacco segment in Togo is expected to generate US$5.09 million in 2023, with an expected annual growth of 4.46% from 2023 to 2027.

FAQs:

  1. What percentage of men in Togo use tobacco?
    • 11.9 percent of men aged 15-49 use tobacco.
  2. How many people die from smoking-related causes in Togo each year?
    • More than 2,600 people die from smoking-related causes in Togo each year.
  3. What companies dominate the tobacco market in Togo?
    • Philip Morris International (PMI), Imperial Tobacco, and British American Tobacco (BAT) dominate the tobacco market in Togo.
  4. How much revenue is the Smoking Tobacco segment in Togo expected to generate in 2023?
    • The Smoking Tobacco segment in Togo is expected to generate US$5.09 million in 2023.
  5. What percentage of youth in Togo are exposed to secondhand smoke at home?
    • 20.1 percent of youth (ages 13-15) in Togo are exposed to secondhand smoke at home.

(For the sake of brevity, I’ve only provided 5 FAQ responses here. I can generate more upon request.)

Databases:

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Tobacco Control Country Profiles https://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/en/
  • Tobacco Free Kids – Country Resources https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/problem/toll-global
  • Statista – Tobacco Products https://www.statista.com/statistics/dossier/495/tobacco-products/

Related Topics:

  • Tobacco Control in Africa https://www.who.int/tobacco/control/africa/en/
  • Global Tobacco Industry https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/who-report-on-the-global-tobacco-epidemic
  • Effects of Secondhand Smoke https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/health_effects/index.htm
  • World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control https://www.who.int/fctc/text_download/en/
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