Namibia has imported over N$1.4 billion worth of water pipe tobacco (hookah tobacco), vapes, and related mixtures between 2021 and 2024, up from just N$108.2 million in 2020.
According to trade data seen by The Brief from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), N$1.2 billion of the import figure went towards mixtures and preparations of binders used in hookah pipes and electronic vapes.
In 2022 alone, Namibia imported N$701 million worth of these products from Ireland – the highest single import value in the past four years. That same year, imports from South Africa totalled N$63 million.
Hookah pipes and vapes, both nicotine delivery devices, have gained global traction, with an estimated 82 million users worldwide in 2021.
Namibia followed the trend, importing water pipes valued at N$136.8 million between 2021 and 2024, including N$38 million in 2022. The country also earned N$1.2 million from re-exporting hookah pipes to Mozambique in 2020, according to trade data.
Exports of vape and hookah mixtures have also increased. In 2022, Namibia generated N$470 million from exports to Zambia, contributing to total exports of N$483.5 million. In 2023, exports to Zambia reached N$358 million, according to the NSA.
Meanwhile, Namibia spent N$82.2 million on imports of snuff and tobacco extracts over the last four years.
In March 2025 alone, Namibia imported N$42.1 million worth of cigarettes, mainly from South Africa and Switzerland. Cigarette exports during the same period stood at only N$0.1 million, mostly re-exports to Norway and Luxembourg.
Last year, the Ministry of Health and Social Services revealed plans to amend the Tobacco Act to include nicotine products used for vaping and water pipes, which are currently not regulated.
The amendment was initiated to curb the rising use of both these products in Namibia.
