Philip Morris Calls on African Countries to Advance Tobacco Harm Reduction Policies
Philip Morris International (PMI) has called on African governments to adopt a more science-based approach to tobacco control and remove barriers preventing progress toward a smoke-free future.
Speaking at the 2025 Technology Innovation Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, PMI highlighted the importance of combining scientific research, policy reform, and innovation to provide adult smokers with alternative nicotine options.
The company argued that ineffective policies, limited communication, and skepticism toward new technologies remain major challenges affecting tobacco harm reduction efforts across Africa.
Key Points of PMI’s Tobacco Harm Reduction Proposal
- PMI urged African countries to strengthen tobacco harm reduction strategies.
- The company called for policies based on scientific evidence rather than traditional approaches.
- Lack of effective regulation, communication gaps, and resistance to innovation were identified as key obstacles.
- PMI emphasized providing adult smokers with more information and alternative products.
- The initiative aims to support a smoke-free future through innovation and policy changes.
PMI Highlights Barriers to Africa’s Smoke-Free Future
According to AllAfrica, PMI used the Cape Town technology conference as a platform to discuss challenges facing tobacco control efforts in Africa.
The company stated that progress toward reducing smoking rates requires cooperation between governments, policymakers, scientists, and industry stakeholders.
PMI identified several factors slowing tobacco harm reduction efforts:
- Inefficient government policies;
- Limited acceptance of scientific innovation;
- Lack of communication between stakeholders;
- Public skepticism toward alternative nicotine products.
The company argued that these issues prevent adult smokers from accessing information about potentially lower-risk alternatives.
Company Calls for Science-Based Tobacco Policies
PMI emphasized that future tobacco control policies should be developed based on the latest scientific evidence rather than traditional views or emotional responses.
The company suggested that policymakers should consider:
- Advances in nicotine science;
- Consumer behavior changes;
- Innovation in alternative nicotine products;
- Evidence from international markets.
PMI stated that a modern tobacco control framework should focus not only on preventing smoking initiation but also on helping existing adult smokers move away from combustible cigarettes.
Innovation and Policy Reform Seen as Key Solutions
During the conference, PMI representatives argued that innovation and regulatory reform must work together to accelerate progress.
The company said that adult smokers who continue smoking should have access to:
- Accurate product information;
- A wider range of choices;
- Alternative nicotine products supported by scientific research.
Andrea Gontkovicova, PMI’s regional vice president of corporate affairs, questioned how governments, businesses, and other stakeholders can work together to provide better options for adult smokers.
She emphasized that the discussion should focus not only on whether change is needed, but also on how Africa can develop effective strategies.
Tobacco Harm Reduction Debate Continues in Africa
Tobacco harm reduction remains a debated topic globally, with governments taking different approaches toward alternative nicotine products.
Supporters argue that regulated alternatives may help reduce smoking-related harm by giving adult smokers additional choices.
Critics, however, continue to raise concerns about youth access, product regulation, and long-term public health impacts.
In Africa, where tobacco control policies vary significantly between countries, the role of alternative nicotine products remains an important part of future regulatory discussions.
Africa’s Tobacco Policy Direction Faces Future Choices
PMI’s call reflects a broader global discussion about the future of tobacco control.
As governments seek to reduce smoking rates, policymakers face the challenge of balancing:
- Public health protection;
- Prevention of youth nicotine use;
- Access to alternative products for adult smokers;
- Evidence-based regulation.
Whether African countries adopt broader tobacco harm reduction strategies will depend on future scientific evaluations, government policies, and public health priorities.
