Regulation
Naturopathy Regulation Across Africa
A continental view of laws, classifications, and the path to harmonization.
Regulation
A continental view of laws, classifications, and the path to harmonization.
Continental Outlook
"African naturopathy is progressively advancing toward professional recognition and the development of regulatory frameworks across the continent."
Regulatory Law Types
The African regions have the following laws that regulate traditional and naturopathic practices.
Traditional Medicine & Naturopathic Regulation in Africa
Health Professions Act
Allied Health Professions Act
Natural Therapeutic Practitioners Act
Public Health Law or Code
Traditional and Alternative Medicine Acts
National Decrees / Proclamations
Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act
Ayurveda and Other Traditional Medicine Practice Act
Associated Health Professions Act
Ministerial Directives
Southern Africa Naturopathy Classification
Southern African Countries have distinct laws on naturopathy as compared to the rest of the regional blocks.
Naturopathy Regulation in Africa
Naturopathy Definition in Africa
Naturopathy has different statutory meanings in Africa.
Neither Surgical nor Medical Agents Used
Usually Drug-Less
Considered Traditional Medicine
Traditional Medicine Classes
Traditional Medicine has different players in the African regions.
Metaphysics
Traditional Midwifery
Traditional Surgery
Traditional Psychiatry
Divination
Herbal Medicine
Veterinary Service
Bone Setting
Country-by-Country
Switch between regional blocks to view each country's naturopathy and traditional medicine legislation.
Botswana
Associated Health Professionals Act, 17 of 2001
N/A
Comoros
N/A
Public Health code (Title III)
DR Congo
N/A
Decree of 19th March, 1952
Eswatini
Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, 1970 (regulation 1978 on control of natural therapeutics)
N/A
Lesotho
Natural Therapeutic Practitioners Act of 1976
Universal Medicinemen and Herbalist Council Act (1978)
Madagascar
Public Health code (law no. 2011.002)
Public Health code (law no. 2011.002)
Mauritius
Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine Act 37 of 1989; Allied Health Professionals Council Act no.9 of 2017 (Chiropractic & Osteopathy)
Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine Act 37 of 1989
Namibia
Allied Health Professions Act 7 of 2004
N/A
Seychelles
Health Professionals Act 2006 (acupuncturists only)
N/A
South Africa
Allied Health Professions Act 63 of 1982; Regulations Relating to the Profession of Naturopathy (2023)
Traditional Health Practitioners Act no.22 of 2007
Tanzania
Traditional and Alternative medicine Act no. 23 of 2002
Traditional and Alternative medicine Act no. 23 of 2002
Zambia
Health Professions Act no. 24 of 2009 (Osteopaths only); TCAM bill pending
Guidelines for TCAM Integration, 1st Edition (2026); TCAM bill pending
Zimbabwe
Health Professions Act Chapter 27:19, Act 6/2000, 22/2001 (s.4), 14/2002 (s.43), 28/2004 (s.29)
Traditional Medical Practitioners Act 1981 chapter 27:14
Associated Health Professionals Act, 17 of 2001
N/A
N/A
Public Health code (Title III)
N/A
Decree of 19th March, 1952
Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, 1970 (regulation 1978 on control of natural therapeutics)
N/A
Natural Therapeutic Practitioners Act of 1976
Universal Medicinemen and Herbalist Council Act (1978)
Public Health code (law no. 2011.002)
Public Health code (law no. 2011.002)
Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine Act 37 of 1989; Allied Health Professionals Council Act no.9 of 2017 (Chiropractic & Osteopathy)
Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine Act 37 of 1989
Allied Health Professions Act 7 of 2004
N/A
Health Professionals Act 2006 (acupuncturists only)
N/A
Allied Health Professions Act 63 of 1982; Regulations Relating to the Profession of Naturopathy (2023)
Traditional Health Practitioners Act no.22 of 2007
Traditional and Alternative medicine Act no. 23 of 2002
Traditional and Alternative medicine Act no. 23 of 2002
Health Professions Act no. 24 of 2009 (Osteopaths only); TCAM bill pending
Guidelines for TCAM Integration, 1st Edition (2026); TCAM bill pending
Health Professions Act Chapter 27:19, Act 6/2000, 22/2001 (s.4), 14/2002 (s.43), 28/2004 (s.29)
Traditional Medical Practitioners Act 1981 chapter 27:14
Key Insights
Many African countries lack formal naturopathic regulation, leading to fragmented practice and lack of professional protection.
ANF and member organizations are developing standardized curricula, competency frameworks, and ethical codes to harmonize practice.
Establishment of a Continental Naturopathic Professional Examination Board ensures practitioners meet verified standards.
Engagement with health ministries, AU, WHO AFRO, WAHO, and regional bodies ensures policy recognition.
Aligns with international standards from WNF, AYUSH (India), and Chinese TCM regulatory models, promoting cross-border recognition.
ANF provides legal support for practitioners, ensuring safe, ethical, and legally recognized practice across African nations.
Outcome
"Proper regulation ensures African Naturopathy is safe, ethical, evidence-informed, culturally relevant, and globally connected — advancing its integration into healthcare systems."