As part of World No Tobacco Day, the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage has taken a major step. From August 1, 2026 , all tobacco products sold in Côte d'Ivoire must be packaged in plain packaging .

This announcement was made on Monday, June 2, 2026 in Abidjan by Professor Soro Gona Kountélé, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ministry, under the revealing theme: "Unmasking the attraction, fighting against addiction to nicotine and tobacco" .

Objective: To disrupt the tobacco industry's marketing

To counter the seductive strategies of manufacturers — who compete in ingenuity with aromas, attractive designs or formats reminiscent of sweets — the government imposes strict standardization.

1. Unique design: A single color and identical features for all packages.
2. Priority target: Protecting children and adolescents by minimizing the visual appeal of products.
3. Products concerned: Traditional tobacco as well as new nicotine-based products (vaping, etc.).

"Plain packaging is an appropriate response to these practices that undermine public health efforts."

— Professor Soro Gona Kountélé

Key figures on smoking among young people (13-15 years old)

While the fight against tobacco is bearing fruit in Ivory Coast, new vaping products represent a major challenge.

Indicator	Statistical
Overall decline in smoking (2009 vs 2023)	Reduction from 14.7% to 4.5%
E-cigarette use among boys (2023)	14.4%
E-cigarette use among girls (2023)	6.6%

A legislative arsenal that is being strengthened

Professor Soro welcomed the major advances made possible by the law of July 23, 2019 and the WHO guidelines, in particular:

1. A strict ban on smoking in public places and on public transport.
2. The implementation of a product traceability system.
3. Strengthening visual health warnings.

A call for vigilance and withdrawal

In conclusion, the ministry representative urged young people to stay away from nicotine and encouraged current smokers to begin the process of quitting, reminding them that the health benefits are immediate. He also expressed the government's gratitude to the WHO, NGOs, and civil society for their continued commitment to a tobacco-free Ivory Coast.