PMI to Host "Technovation" Summit on Smoke-Free Future in Cape Town
The Technovation summit aims to foster dialogue and collaboration towards accelerating the transition to a smoke-free world.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Philip Morris International (PMI) will host a "Technovation" summit on June 10, 2025, at The Westin Cape Town, focusing on technology, innovation, and collective action to achieve a smoke-free future, particularly in Africa, writes Winston Mwale.
The full-day event will bring together PMI executives, public health experts, consumer advocates, and media to discuss strategies for harm reduction and the role of smoke-free alternatives.
The agenda kicks off at 10:10 a.m. with Tommaso Di Giovanni, PMI's Vice President of Communications and Engagement, discussing "Technology and Innovation: Driving forces behind global solutions."
This session will explore how innovation, paired with policy changes, can address global challenges, while also acknowledging skepticism that can stall progress.
At 10:35 a.m., Branislav Bibic, Area Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa at PMI, will deliver a keynote on "Harnessing Collective Action for a Smoke-Free Future in Africa."
This will highlight the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including governments and consumers, in driving meaningful change through science and technology.
Andrea Gontkovicova, Vice President Corporate Affairs for SSEA, CIS & MEA at PMI, will present "A Tale of Two Strategies: Adoption vs. Resistance to Smoke-Free Innovations" at 10:55 a.m.
This segment will examine how forward-thinking governments are increasingly recognizing scientifically substantiated, less harmful alternatives to smoking.
A key panel discussion at 11:15 a.m., moderated by SABC NEWS broadcaster Oliver Dickson, is titled "Toward Smarter Health Regulation: Ensuring Innovation, Scientific Rigor, and Community Engagement in Africa's Policy Landscape."
Panelists will include Di Giovanni, Bibic, Gontkovicova, and Themba Mathebula (Director External Affairs Southern Africa, PMI).
The discussion will critically explore South Africa's proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill and the NEDLAC process, examining democratic engagement, scientific evidence, and public health goals.
Following lunch, Jonathan Kwak, Smoke-Free Products Director for South Africa at PMI, will discuss "Smoke-Free Success: Ensuring Accurate Information for Consumers" at 1:15 p.m., addressing the growing demand for better alternatives to cigarettes and the need for accurate consumer information.
At 1:40 p.m., Buhle Binta (Head of Scientific Engagement Sub-Saharan Africa, PMI) and Clement Diarga Basse (Scientific Engagement Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, PMI) will cover "Scientific Advancements in Smoke-Free Products: Building Trust and Public Awareness," focusing on the scientific case for tobacco harm reduction.
Another significant panel, "Tobacco Harm Reduction: Amplifying Voices for Change," is scheduled for 2:25 p.m., also moderated by Oliver Dickson.
It will feature Yael Ossowski (Deputy Director, Consumer Choice Center), Dr. Mercy Korir (CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Willow Health Media), and Dr. Esthras Tlou Moloko (Medical Practitioner, Numolux Group, Former Special Advisor to the Minister of Health, South Africa).
This panel will delve into the threat of misinformation and the need for policies that empower consumers.
Tommaso Di Giovanni will deliver closing remarks at 3:25 p.m.
The afternoon will also include an exhibition area tour with a smoke-free products expo, a virtual reality experience on facts versus myths, and a science demonstration machine.
The event will conclude with a networking reception at Restaurant Thirty Seven, Westin Hotel, at 5:00 p.m.
The Technovation summit aims to foster dialogue and collaboration towards accelerating the transition to a smoke-free world.