PMI Vice President: Adoption of Smoke-Free Technologies in Africa Is Slow, Company to Step Up Promotion Efforts

Key Points:

·The slow adoption of new tobacco technology in Africa has raised public health concerns, with the tobacco industry interference, weak regulatory framework, and lack of public awareness slowing down technology dissemination. 

·Philip Morris International (PMI) has warned that delays in technology adoption could hinder disease control progress. 

【2Firsts News Flash】According to Nyasa Times reported on July 8th, Branislav Bibic, Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa at PMI, expressed concern over the slow adoption of new tobacco technology in African countries during the Technovation 2025 conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

Bibicchi stated that delaying the adoption of new technologies will put smokers at risk of developing cancer, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular disease. He said:

"It is easier to introduce new technologies in developed markets because people have more funds, higher purchasing power, and more information. We know that Africa has shown good performance in adopting new technologies, but there is often a delay."

The unique socio-economic landscape in Africa, including high poverty and unemployment rates, makes it more susceptible to the influence of tobacco industry marketing strategies and sets barriers for implementing effective tobacco control measures. Research has shown that balancing harm reduction potential with comprehensive tobacco control strategies is a key challenge.

Many African countries have weak or poorly enforced tobacco control laws, allowing the tobacco industry to operate almost unchecked. Research shows that challenges remain in regulating new nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Furthermore, the lack of unified regulatory measures between different African countries has resulted in inconsistent regulation of tobacco products. Insufficient funding from governments for tobacco control programs also hinders the implementation of effective policies and public health measures.

He stated that this undermines efforts for tobacco control and may lead to new technologies being seen as undesirable. However, he expressed confidence in the eventual entry of new technologies into the African market and confirmed that Philip Morris International (PMI) will continue to promote these products. He said:

"We believe that these new technologies will also expand in sub-Saharan Africa, with Philip Morris International (PMI) playing a key role. We will continue to invest in smoke-free products, not only in developed countries but also in Africa, where greater regulation and tax progress are needed."

Bibiqi pointed out that industries and consumers in Africa are eager to embrace new technologies and transition away from cigarettes. He stated:

"We are actively engaging with the community and policymakers to share the scientific basis of smoke-free products and their potential harm reduction. We are accelerating progress through the implementation of specific product regulations. While this is not a simple process, we are making every effort to do so."