In a landmark move for public health and fiscal justice, Senegal’s National Assembly has approved a sweeping increase in tobacco taxation, a decision that experts say could reshape the country’s fight against tobacco-related diseases.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, lawmakers voted to adopt Bill No. 17/2025, amending the General Tax Code to raise the domestic tax on tobacco from 70% to 100% ad valorem under Article 434. The reform aligns with Senegal’s commitments under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and marks a major milestone in the country’s tobacco control journey.
The achievement is the result of years of coordinated advocacy led by Forum Civil, the Senegalese chapter of Transparency International, working in partnership with the Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) through the Advocacy Project for Tobacco Taxation in Senegal. The initiative aims to strengthen fiscal policy as a tool for public health protection, and the results are now being felt at the highest levels of government.
This reform is proof that evidence-based advocacy, grounded in collaboration, can influence national policy. It is not just a win for public health, but also for fiscal justice and accountability.
At the heart of this success was the strategic engagement of the National Assembly’s Health Committee. Members of the committee participated in a series of training sessions focused on the fiscal, health, and regulatory dimensions of tobacco taxation. They were provided with simplified policy briefs and data-driven analyses developed by national and regional experts. Armed with this knowledge, several legislators went on to champion the reform during parliamentary debates, signalling a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
Beyond parliament, Forum Civil mobilised a broad coalition of partners to push the reform forward. The effort brought together the National Tobacco Control Program (PNLT), tax authorities, health professionals, and journalists who provided consistent and informative media coverage. Civil society organisations and researchers also played a key role, framing the reform as part of a broader fight for equity, transparency, and sustainable development.
The increase to 100% ad valorem represents major progress, but advocates emphasise that the work is not yet done. Forum Civil and TJNA are calling for the introduction of a specific excise tax to complement the ad valorem system. Such a measure would lead to higher retail prices, make tax revenues more predictable, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
They are also pushing for the creation of a dedicated public health fund that would channel tobacco tax revenues into prevention programs, health infrastructure, and equitable access to healthcare.
The bill's adoption highlights the growing influence of citizen-led, data-driven advocacy in shaping fiscal and health policy across Africa. For TJNA, it stands as a model of what can be achieved when civil society, policymakers, and experts work together with a shared vision.
The September 18 vote was more than a policy change; it was a statement of political will and civic responsibility. By placing public health at the center of fiscal reform, Senegal has set an example for the continent: that effective taxation can serve not only as an economic tool, but also as a moral commitment to protect lives and build a fairer, healthier future.
For more information, please contact John Thomi at jthomi [@]taxjusticeafrica.net.
