Tobacco control in Africa faces challenges and opportunities; new technologies are slow to diffuse and public health needs urgent attention. PMI says it will continue to promote new technologies and accelerate the transformation of tobacco products.
Core Points to Watch:
- Slow Adoption of New Tobacco Technologies in Africa Raises Public Health Concerns
- Tobacco Industry Disruptions, Weak Regulatory Frameworks and Lack of Public Awareness Slow Technology Rollout
- PMI Warns Technology Delays Could Hinder Progress in Disease Control
According to a July 8 report in the Nyasa Times, Branislav Bibic, Vice President of Sub-Saharan Africa for PMI, expressed concern about the slow adoption of new tobacco technologies in African countries during the Technovation 2025 conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
Bibic said delays in adopting new technologies put smokers at risk of cancer, respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease. He said:
- “It is easier to introduce new technologies in developed markets because people have more money, higher capacity to pay and more information. We know that Africa does well in adopting new technologies, but there are usually delays.”
Africa’s unique socio-economic patterns, including high rates of poverty and unemployment, make it more vulnerable to the tobacco industry’s marketing strategies and create barriers to implementing effective tobacco control measures. The study reveals that balancing harm reduction potential with comprehensive tobacco control strategies is a key challenge.
Weak or poorly enforced tobacco control laws in many African countries leave the tobacco industry virtually unchecked. According to the study, the challenge of regulating new nicotine products such as vapes and heated tobacco products remains.
Furthermore, the absence of harmonized regulatory approaches among African countries has resulted in inconsistent regulation of tobacco products. Inadequate government funding for tobacco control programs also hinders the implementation of effective policies and public health measures.
He indicated that this undermined tobacco control efforts and could lead to new technologies being seen as undesirable. However, he expressed confidence that the new technologies would eventually reach the African market and confirmed that FIMO International would remain committed to promoting these products. He said:
- “We are confident that these new technologies will also expand in sub-Saharan Africa, where FIMO International has a key role to play. We will continue to invest in smoke-free products, not only in the developed world, but also in Africa, where regulatory and tax progress is more needed.”
Bibic noted that both the industry and consumers in Africa are eager to embrace new technologies and shift away from cigarettes. He said:
- “We are engaging as widely as possible with communities and policymakers to share the scientific basis for smoke-free products and their potential for harm reduction. We are accelerating progress by developing specific product regulations. It’s not an easy process, but we are doing our best.”
