• Namibia plans to introduce tax reforms on alcohol and tobacco to reduce consumption and ease the strain on its health system.

• The country faces a high prevalence of smoking (11.2% adults) and alcohol use (12 liters per capita annually), well above global averages.

• Non-communicable diseases linked to tobacco and alcohol cause significant mortality, pushing Namibia to act through policy and international frameworks.

Namibia is ready to reform taxes on alcohol and tobacco. Health Minister Esperance Luvindao announced this move during a parliamentary workshop on July 14-18, 2025. She said Namibia aims to reduce harmful use and protect its public health system.

Luvindao explained, “In spite of these gains and plans, the harmful use of tobacco and alcohol continues to burden our health system." She stressed that "further actions are required, particularly in the area of tax reforms, to discourage high consumption of these products”. 

Non-communicable diseases, like heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory illness, and diabetes, put great pressure on Namibia’s healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 2021 mortality rates linked to these diseases as 909 per 100,000 men and 581 per 100,000 women.

Namibia’s alcohol consumption is high. WHO data from 2022 shows the average adult drinks 12 liters of pure alcohol yearly—more than double the global average of 5 liters. Tobacco use remains widespread, with 11.2% of adults smoking. Men smoke at nearly five times the rate of women (19.2% vs. 4%). The Global State of Tobacco predicts smoking rates to rise from 20% in 2015 to 21% in 2025.

Namibia has taken steps to tackle these issues. It monitors non-communicable diseases, enforces tobacco control laws, regulates alcohol sales, and aligns with international efforts. These include ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and participating in the SAFER initiative to reduce alcohol misuse and improve road safety.

Minister Luvindao also highlighted emerging risks. She warned about unregulated substances like shisha (hookah), which have grown more popular recently and need control.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum