African alcohol regulation and enforcement

African nations are increasing regulatory and enforcement actions to combat counterfeit, unsafe, and illicit alcohol products.

In East Africa, authorities in Tanzania and Kenya have focused on protecting consumers and securing tax revenue. Tanzania’s Industry and Trade Ministry announced heightened enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure adherence to hygiene and quality standards. In Kenya, where illegal alcohol is estimated to account for approximately 60 percent of consumption, officials have seized illicit goods and fake excise stamps valued at nearly Sh790 million. Experts have noted that improved forensic testing and digital evidence management are necessary for successful prosecutions.

Efforts have expanded to include Nigeria, which adopted the Nigeria Alcohol Policy and its Multisectoral Implementation Plan (2026–2030) to reduce alcohol-related harm. As part of this, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) ordered a nationwide recall of alcoholic beverages in sachets or plastic bottles smaller than 200ml. Meanwhile, Kenya’s National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) continues multi-agency crackdowns, recently resulting in arrests and the seizure of products featuring fake stamps or expired labels.