Tobacco use causes more than 8 million deaths globally each year, with more than 80% of the world’s smokers living in low- and middle-income countries. The cost of tobacco in West Africa, both in terms of the negative impact on public health and the economy, will continue to grow if governments do not take decisive action to limit its use. Increasing tobacco excise taxation is the most effective way to reduce tobacco consumption and improve health outcomes, while also raising government revenues. This factsheet examines the case for increasing tobacco taxation in Mali.