Prevalence of tobacco consumption in the DRC
Between 2014 and 2019, the prevalence of tobacco use among adults aged 15–49 years in the country slightly decreased, from 10.3% (7.7 million users) to 10.1% (3.8 million users).
As in 2014, more men (18.5%) than women (1.9%) consumed tobacco products in 2019.
Tobacco consumption is higher among older adults, and the products consumed vary according to gender.
Congolese people living in rural areas consume more tobacco than those living in urban areas. In 2019, the rates were 12.5% and 7.7% respectively. Consumption rates were lower among wealthier individuals.
This page provides information on the prevalence of tobacco consumption by product, gender, age, urban/rural location, level of education, socio-economic status, province, and the reasons given for tobacco consumption. It also includes detailed comparisons between 2014 and 2019. Data sources used include the 2017–2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and the 2013–2014 National Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).
Demographic profilesof smokers in the DRC
Prevalence of tobacco consumption by gender
In the DRC, the gap in tobacco consumption between men and women remains important. While men’s tobacco consumption has decreased from 25.3% to 18.5% between 2014 and 2019, women’s consumption has reduced by more than half, from 4.2% to 1.9%, during that time period.
These results are similar to those obtained in other Sub-Saharan African countries. In Nigeria, for example, 7.3% of men and 0.4% of women use tobacco products. In South Africa, the figures are 41.7% and 17.9% respectively.
The level of consumption of the different tobacco products also differ by gender. While men predominantly use cigarettes, women prefer smokeless tobacco products, like snuff, and chewing tobacco.
Prevalence of tobacco consumption by gender
Source: MICS (2020)
Prevalence of tobacco use by age group
In the DRC, tobacco use increases with age, rising from 3.6% among 15–19-year-olds to 17.2% among 45–49-year-olds in 2019.
This relatively low prevalence among young people is attributed to the ban on tobacco advertising in educational environments (households and schools) and the increase in tobacco taxes, as well as to young people’s low purchasing power.
Other research shows that populations are likely to be introduced to smoking in adolescence through advertising, leading to sustained consumption throughout their lives. The high prevalence among older people may be attributed to higher purchasing power and exposure to tobacco advertising in their youth. Studies have shown that older people are not often targeted by cessation services.These results are similar to those obtained in South Africa, where smoking rates were highest among adults aged over 60, and in The Gambia, where prevalence is highest among adults aged 40–49.
Prevalence of tobacco use by age group
Source: MICS (2020)
Prevalence of tobacco use by socio-economic status
Congolese people at a low socio-economic level consume more tobacco than those at a higher socio-economic level.
Despite the financial burden, smoking prevalence is significantly higher among poorer socioeconomic groups in the DRC. In 2019, the poorest individuals had the highest smoking rate, with 13.9% of this group regularly using tobacco. On the other hand, the wealthiest population showed a much lower prevalence of 6.8%.
In several other African countries, a correlation has been noted between economic conditions and smoking prevalence. The poorer the individual, the higher the level of tobacco consumption.
Prevalence of tobacco use by socio-economic status
Source: MICS (2020)
Reasons for tobacco use
The chart below shows the reasons given for tobacco use by users in the country. The main reason was to relieve flu or cough (77.3%), followed by pleasure (63.2%). Other reasons included awakening the mind (52.3%), fighting against cold (23.7%), and physical strength (21.7%). Finally, 10.9% of respondents stated that they smoked to feel high.
Reasons given for tobacco use
Source: Kimpitu et al. (2021)
Prevalenceof tobacco consumption by product
Among the tobacco products consumed by 10.1% of individuals in the country in 2019, cigarettes came first at 6.8%, smokeless tobacco products, such as snus, snuff, and chewing tobacco at 4%; followed by other tobacco products such as hookah and vapes at 1.1%.
These results are similar to the global findings shared by the WHO in 2022, revealing that cigarettes are the most widespread form of tobacco in the world.
Tobacco consumption by product
Source: MICS (2020)
Trends in overall tobacco consumption
The overall consumption of tobacco products among Congolese people aged 15–49 decreased slightly from 10.3% (in 2014) to 10.1% (in 2019). This modest decrease is attributed to the continuous implementation of tobacco control policies like restrictions on tobacco advertising and promotion, public health campaigns and educational initiatives amongst others.
Trends by genderBetween 2014 and 2019, overall tobacco consumption prevalence for both genders dropped from 25.3% to 18.5% among men and 4.2% to 1.9% among women.
Trends in consumption of any tobacco product among adults aged 15-49 years (by gender)
Source: MICS (2020) and DHS (2014)
Trends by ageIn both years, tobacco consumption was highest in older age groups. Tobacco consumption prevalence increased with age during both periods.
Trends in consumption of any tobacco product among adults aged 15-49 years (by age group)
Source: MICS (2020) and DHS (2014)
Trends by residenceRegardless of the year, the prevalence of tobacco consumption remained higher in rural areas. The rates however increased slightly with time, from 7.3% to 7.7% in urban areas and 12.2% to 12.5% in the rural zones.
Trends in consumption of cigarette smoking among adults aged 15-49 years (by residence)
Source: MICS (2020) and DHS (2014)
Trends by wealth statusBetween 2014 and 2019, overall tobacco consumption remained highest among the poorest populations. The wealthier the individual, the lower the consumption of tobacco products.
Trends in consumption of cigarette smoking among adults aged 15-49 years (by socio-economic status)
Source: MICS (2020) and DHS (2014)
Trends in cigarette smoking
Cigarettes remained the most consumed tobacco product in the DRC between 2014 and 2019. Although overall tobacco consumption decreased between 2014 and 2019, cigarette smoking prevalence was found to increase over this time, from 5.9% in 2014 to 6.8% in 2019. However, it is possible that this finding may be explained by a sampling strategy that included a larger percentage of rural residents in the research conducted in 2019 compared to 2014.
Trends by genderThe overall percentage of cigarette smokers went down for both genders. The prevalence of cigarette smoking among men decreased from 18.9% to 13.4%, while that of women decreased from 0.5% to 0.3%.
Trends in cigarette smoking among adults aged 15-49 years (by gender)
Source: MICS (2020) and DHS (2014)
Trends by ageDuring the period 2014 to 2019, prevalence of cigarette smoking increased in all age groups, except for the age groups 20–24 and 45–49.
Trends in cigarette smoking among adults aged 15-49 years (by age)
Source: MICS (2020) and DHS (2014)
Trends by residenceThe prevalence of cigarette smoking among rural and urban residents slightly increased between 2014 and 2019. However, as in 2014, higher prevalence rates were observed in rural areas.
Trends in consumption of cigarette smoking among adults aged 15-49 years (by residence)
Source: MICS (2020) and DHS (2014)
Trends by wealth statusRegardless of individuals’ socio-economic status, the prevalence of cigarette smoking rose between 2014 and 2019. Remarkable increases were noted among the poorest and poor socio-economic groups.
Trends in consumption of cigarette smoking among adults aged 15-49 years (by socio-economic status)
Source: MICS (2020) and DHS (2014)
EducationTobacco consumption by level of education and in schools
Prevalence of smoking by level of education
In 2019, smoking prevalence in the DRC was higher among individuals with lower educational attainment. Individuals with only primary education had the highest rate of tobacco use, at 11.7%. In contrast, individuals with higher education had a much lower smoking rate, at 6.5%.
This data represents the total estimated number of people who consume other smoked tobacco products. However, it’s important to note that the sum of these categories does not equal the total prevalence due to missing information for some individuals regarding their education level, particularly with those with no education.
Tobacco use by highest level of education
Source: MICS (2020)
Prevalence of smoking among children
In 2019, the prevalence of smoking among young people (10–14 years) in the Democratic Republic of Congo was 4%, with 4.4% among boys and 3.2% among girls, as estimated by the Tobacco Atlas.
These rates are much less than what was found in 2008 by the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in secondary schools in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi and deserve additional research attention.
Source: Tobacco Atlas 2022
ResidenceTobacco consumption in rural/urban areas and by province
Prevalence of tobacco consumption in rural/urban areas
According to the MICS survey, the prevalence of smoking was higher among Congolese people living in rural areas (12.5%) compared to their urban counterparts (7.7%).
Rural populations tend to smoke more tobacco than their urban counterparts, despite lower socioeconomic status, for several reasons. Cultural factors play a significant role, as smoking is more socially accepted in rural areas. Additionally, rural regions often lack comprehensive health education and smoking cessation programs that are more prevalent in urban settings, contributing to less awareness about the risks of tobacco use.
A study carried out in seven African countries (Cameroon, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania), showed similar differences between urban and rural areas. It reported that 67.1% of smokers resided in rural areas and 32.9% in urban areas.
Source: MICS (2020)
Prevalence of tobacco consumption by province
Tobacco consumption in the DRC is shaped by cultural and religious influences that vary across regions. In some areas, like Tshopo, tobacco use is more accepted due to less restrictive social norms. However, in regions like Maniema, long-standing cultural traditions, including Islamic and Christian religious beliefs, often prohibit women from smoking, viewing it as inappropriate or immoral. Throughout Africa, such religious and cultural beliefs commonly restrict women’s tobacco use, contributing to lower smoking rates in these communities.
In 2017–2018, tobacco use prevalence varied significantly by province. For men, the highest rates are in Nord Ubangi (34.8%), Kasaï (33.1%), and Kwilu (31.1%), while the lowest are in Sud Kivu (6.7%) and Nord Kivu (4.9%). For women, Sud Ubangi (8.2%) and Tshopo (7.1%) have the highest prevalence, contrasting sharply with very low rates in Sud Kivu (0.00%) and Nord Kivu, Kasaï Oriental, and Maniema (0.1%). Urban provinces like Kinshasa show a large gender disparity with 14.4% of men and only 2.8% of women consuming tobacco products.
Illustration of Data on the Choropleth DRC map
Prevalence of tobacco consumption by province
Source: MICS (2020)
