In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 8.3% of adults smoke, and tobacco use accounts for an estimated 2.2% of all deaths. Smoking also imposes significant economic costs—approximately 409.5 billion Congolese francs annually—through health-care spending and lost productivity.

While some policies exist, such as bans on many tobacco advertisements, several critical measures remain weak or absent. Indoor smoke-free laws, graphic health warnings, and cessation support need urgent strengthening to reduce tobacco-related harm.