ATIM in partnership with ACBF Strengthen Multisectoral Capacity for Tobacco Control Implementation in Benin

Cotonou, Benin | 21–23 October 2026

The Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM), in partnership with the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), is conducting a three-day multisectoral training workshop in Cotonou, Benin, from 21 to 23 October 2026. The workshop aims to strengthen national capacity to implement tobacco control legislation and protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference, in line with Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

The training brings together 26 participants representing government institutions responsible for health, justice, trade, internal security and customs, alongside representatives from the Presidency and National Assembly. Participants also include civil society and consumer protection organisations, academia, the media, and the country offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The programme combines technical presentations, practical exercises and country experiences to strengthen participants’ understanding of tobacco industry interference and the institutional coordination required for effective tobacco control. Key topics include Article 5.3 implementation, political and stakeholder mapping, evidence-based engagement, tobacco taxation, sustainable financing of tobacco control programmes, and the use of ATIM’s digital monitoring tools.

The first day focused on Benin’s tobacco control achievements, existing legislation and outstanding implementing regulations. Discussions examined the evidence for graphic health warnings, the application of Article 5.3 in national policy and the importance of a whole-of-government approach to implementation. Participants also benefited from lessons from Côte d’Ivoire on advancing tobacco control through intersectoral collaboration.

A key expected outcome of the workshop is the development of a practical implementation roadmap identifying priority actions, responsible institutions and opportunities for collaboration. Particular attention will be given to advancing outstanding regulations, strengthening sustainable financing for tobacco control programmes and safeguarding public health policymaking from tobacco industry interference.

Through this initiative, ATIM and ACBF seek to support stronger institutional capacity, coordination and accountability for effective tobacco control implementation in Benin.