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Cigarette companies in Ethiopia have taken a hit after authorities in the capital Addis Ababa imposed a public smoking ban.
The ban will be effected in cafes, restaurants, bars and stadiums among other public places.
According to the city mayor Diriba Kuma, the new law is aimed at curbing excessive use of tobacco that has reportedly caused disease and even death. Advertisement of tobacco products has also banned.
Offenders face a fine of upto $116. With the number of African smokers predicted to increase by 40 percent by 2030 many tobacco companies see Africa as a growing market.
Several countries, including Kenya and Niger, have introduced restrictions on smoking in public places in recent years.
