ACONTA commends Mali's shisha ban and Côte d'Ivoire's plain packaging for tobacco products

Côte d'Ivoire implemented plain packaging for all tobacco and nicotine products on August 1, 2026, becoming the second African country after Mauritius to adopt this measure. This policy aims to reduce the appeal of cigarettes, especially to children, by standardizing packaging with a uniform, dull color and removing marketing elements. Studies from Australia, where plain packaging was introduced in 2012, indicate it reduces smoking prevalence without increasing contraband, contrary to tobacco industry claims.

Three weeks prior, on July 7, 2026, Mali's authorities, through a joint decree from six ministries, significantly strengthened the nationwide ban on shisha, also known as hookah. The ban now covers the entire chain of shisha products, including production, sale, possession, advertising, and promotion. Penalties for violations have been increased, with production, manufacturing, processing, or import of shisha punishable by one to three years imprisonment and fines of five to fifteen million FCFA.

Distribution or sale carries the same prison sentence with fines of one to three million FCFA, while simple possession can result in three to twelve months imprisonment and fines of 600,000 to two million FCFA. Even personal use can lead to three to twelve months imprisonment and fine