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The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) represented by Dr. Adedeji Adeniran, Director of Research, and Clinton Essang, Researcher, participated in a series of stakeholder engagement meetings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from August 26 to 28 2025. The meetings were organised to strengthen collaboration between CSEA and its local partner, the Health Development and Anti-Malaria Association (HDAMA), and to engage with key stakeholders and existing partners on opportunities and challenges in advancing tobacco control efforts in Ethiopia.
Discussions centred on sustaining local support for CSEA and HDAMA following the Development Gateway's upcoming handover of the Tobacco Control Data Initiative (TCDI) project. Stakeholders also welcomed the introduction of the translated Amharic dashboard pages and emphasised the urgent need for localized and reliable data on the health and economic impact of tobacco use, as well as strategies to address illicit trade. Tobacco taxation emerged as a major theme, identified as a critical gap in Ethiopia’s implementation of its commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Stakeholders note that without comprehensive tax reforms, progress in curbing tobacco use could be undermined.
Stakeholders also highlighted institutional gaps, including the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority’s (EFDA) limited prioritisation of tobacco control, inadequate resources, and fragmented coordination among partners. While civil society organisations were acknowledged as vital for driving advocacy, cessation support, and public awareness, their limited reach underscored the need for stronger government backing.
The meetings concluded with broad consensus on adopting a sustainable, multi-stakeholder ownership model for the TCDI dashboard, anchored by collaboration among EFDA, the Ministry of Finance, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Overall, the stakeholder engagement meetings demonstrated a shared determination to advance tobacco control through stronger partnerships, locally driven solutions, and evidence-based policymaking.
