Ethiopia Warns of Pen-Shaped Tobacco Products Entering Market

Mintesinot Niggusie

Ethiopia’s food and drug regulator has warned that tobacco products disguised as everyday items such as pens are increasingly entering the market, raising concerns over the growing use of concealed electronic smoking devices among young people.

Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority said tobacco manufacturers are introducing products designed to avoid suspicion by changing their appearance and packaging.

Tolosa Gemeda, who heads the authority’s tobacco control desk, said electronic cigarette products are becoming more common, marking a shift from conventional cigarette consumption patterns.

According to the authority, some of the products are designed to resemble pens and other ordinary objects, allowing users to consume tobacco discreetly in places where smoking is prohibited, including cafés, restaurants and other public service areas.

Tolosa said many people remain unfamiliar with the products, making them harder to identify in public spaces. He added that some users operate the devices under the appearance of taking medication or using personal electronic items.

The authority said the practice is increasingly visible in areas frequented by young people, prompting concerns over rising exposure to tobacco products among youth populations.

The regulator called on the public to report suspicious activities linked to concealed tobacco products and said it is intensifying awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts aimed at protecting young people from what it described as dangerous products.