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

Jul.09
PMI Vice President: Adoption of Smoke-Free Technologies in Africa Is Slow, Company to Step Up Promotion Efforts
Africa faces both challenges and opportunities in tobacco control, with the rollout of new technologies progressing slowly and public health requiring urgent attention. Philip Morris International (PMI) says it will continue promoting innovative technologies to accelerate the transformation of tobacco products.

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."

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | GAAGEE Unveils Nova Link/Core Open-System Vape with 3-Inch Touchscreen and AI Assistant
Product | GAAGEE Unveils Nova Link/Core Open-System Vape with 3-Inch Touchscreen and AI Assistant
GAAGEE launched the Nova Link and Nova Core open-system vapes with a smartphone-style design, 2.5D touchscreens, and app support. Nova Link has a 1700mAh battery, 2ml pod, and firmware updates via Pava App. Listed on the website but not yet for sale, the devices debuted at the Dubai Vape Expo.
Jul.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
US: Ohio Appeals Court Backs Local Tobacco Control: Strikes Down State Law Limiting City Regulations
US: Ohio Appeals Court Backs Local Tobacco Control: Strikes Down State Law Limiting City Regulations
An Ohio appeals court has struck down a state law that blocked local governments from enacting tobacco regulations, ruling that cities can govern tobacco under their home-rule authority. The state legislature had previously overridden the governor’s veto of the law. The decision bolsters local efforts to address public health challenges through independent tobacco control measures.
Jul.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Another Brand Joins the “Fog-Free” Trend: Hyperbar Launches ZeroFog Twin 50K
Product | Another Brand Joins the “Fog-Free” Trend: Hyperbar Launches ZeroFog Twin 50K
E-cigarette brand Hyperbar recently unveiled its “ZeroFog Twin 50K” on official social media. The device features a dual-tank design (13ml + 9ml) and claims up to 50,000 puffs. Its key feature is a one-click switch between regular and fog-free modes. The product was previously showcased at the Dubai Vape Expo.
Jul.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International has leased a 14,000-square-meter warehouse in Colorado, USA, located just a few kilometers away from the ZYN nicotine pouch manufacturing plant
Philip Morris International has leased a 14,000-square-meter warehouse in Colorado, USA, located just a few kilometers away from the ZYN nicotine pouch manufacturing plant
Philip Morris International (PMI) leases 150,000 square feet warehouse near Denver International Airport to support ZYN expansion.
Aug.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Netherlands Seizes 80,000 Illegal Flavored E-cigarettes, Bringing 2025 Total to Over 260,000
Netherlands Seizes 80,000 Illegal Flavored E-cigarettes, Bringing 2025 Total to Over 260,000
Dutch regulators seized and destroyed 80,000 flavored e-cigarettes near Amsterdam Schiphol in July. The importer, fined two months earlier for similar violations, faces heavy penalties as the Netherlands allows only tobacco-flavored vapes.
Jul.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Mayor Orders 14 Districts to Crack Down on Drugs, E-Cigarettes, and Online Scams
Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Mayor Orders 14 Districts to Crack Down on Drugs, E-Cigarettes, and Online Scams
Phnom Penh Mayor Khuong Sreng called on all 14 administrative districts to step up crackdowns on drugs, e-cigarettes, and online scams during a joint command meeting. He emphasized stricter oversight of schools and inspections of entertainment venues, urging officials at all levels to work closely with security forces and civilians to carry out enforcement efforts.
Jul.08