LocationsThe Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), held the National Workshop on Tobacco Taxation and the Earmarking of Revenues for the Health Sector in Angola in Luanda.
Workshop discusses tobacco taxation and public health in Angola
April 23, 2025
The event brought together experts, parliamentarians, representatives of the private sector, academia and civil society to debate tobacco taxation policies and strategies: one of the most effective measures to reduce consumption, especially among young people and vulnerable groups.
During the meeting, international experiences were analyzed and the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was discussed, as well as the role of public policies in promoting preventive health and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the central themes of the debate was the potential to direct tax revenues from tobacco taxation to programs for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with tobacco consumption. The approach aims to strengthen the national health system and support sustainable policies focused on people's well-being.
Gabriel Dava during the Workshop
UNDP Angola
In his speech, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Dr. Gabriel Dava, pointed out that tobacco taxation has direct implications for public health, as well as for expanding the tax base needed to finance social policies.
He also recalled that, in partnership with the AGT and the Ministry of Finance, the UNDP had supported the preparation of a diagnosis on the mobilisation of domestic resources for SDG 3 - Health and Well-being, which had made it possible to start this national dialogue on tobacco taxation.
The UNDP representative also stressed the importance of supporting the efforts of the multisectoral technical group that monitors the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention, and advocated progress towards ratification of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco.
The initiative is part of “Tax for SDGs”, launched in 2022 by UNDP with the support of the governments of Finland and Norway. At a global level, the initiative supports countries in strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation through fairer and more informed tax systems.
In Angola, the programme aims to combat tax evasion, promote digitalisation and contribute to building a more equitable tax system, in line with national sustainable development commitments.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, UNDP, World Health Organization (WHO), General Tax Administration (AGT) and the National Assembly.
