Regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing

No country needs to navigate THR policy development alone. Many of the challenges LMICs face, such as weak regulatory frameworks, limited research capacity, and widespread misinformation, are shared across regions. Regional collaboration creates opportunities to learn from neighbouring countries, exchange practical insights, and adopt strategies that have been tested in similar social and economic contexts. Joint research initiatives, regional workshops, and South–South learning exchanges can accelerate progress by reducing duplication and spreading innovation more quickly.

Regional economic communities can play a pivotal role in supporting cross-border dialogue on safer nicotine products. These platforms are well positioned to facilitate discussions on product standards, taxation frameworks, labelling requirements, and youth protection measures, areas that benefit from consistency across borders. Harmonised approaches not only simplify regulation and trade but also help reduce the circulation of counterfeit or low-quality products in informal markets. Coordinated public education campaigns and shared training resources can further strengthen regional capacity and improve the quality of THR implementation.

Shared learning also enhances LMIC negotiating power in global health forums. When countries present unified positions, grounded in regional evidence and common priorities, they are better able to influence global debates on nicotine regulation and advocate for policies that reflect LMIC realities.