JUNE 11, 2025
MONICA KAYOMBO, Cape Town
CAPE Town, became a hive a activity on Tuesday as professionals from journalism, medical, technology and other fraternities gathered to attend the 11 th technology and Innovation (Technovation) conference aimed at tackling global challenges and policy changes that are aimed at driving meaningful solutions to world-wider issues including the achievement of a smoke free future.
Speaking during the official opening of the meeting yesterday, Philip Morris International (PMI) Vice President in charge of Communication and Engagement Tommaso Di Giovanni said over the years, there has always been skepticism towards innovation.
“However skepticism towards innovation often results in missed opportunities and stalls progress,’’ he said.
Mr Di Giovanni said achieving PMI’s vision of a smoke-free future requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments.
Giving classic examples of scientists like Alexander Graham who invented a phone was mocked over his innovation until many years later, Mr Di Giovanni said Ken Oslen, the person who discovered the world’s first small interactive computer was also mocked and yet computers have become the most important tools.
He said seeing that most people find it hard to quit smoking, PMI remains committed to accelerating the end of smoking and laying the foundations of a strong business in areas of wellness and healthcare as we strive to develop commercially successful products that have a net positive impact on society.
PMI has introduced a multi-category portfolio of science-based better alternatives than cigarettes to meet adult smokers’ needs and expectations.
PMI believes that consumer acceptance of better alternatives to cigarettes is a critical component in its effort to move away from cigarettes entirely.
PMI’s says its latest development within the portfolio of smoke-free products that offer a range of advanced features for a clean, seamless and more flexible experience than before.
“It provides the most personalized experience compared to previous IQOS generations and is equipped with a new touch screen so that adult users can quickly see experience related information.’’ Mr Di Giovanni said.
Other sessions covered topics such as: harnessing collective action for a smoke free future in Africa, importance of having accurate information, scientific advancements in smoke free products: building trust and public awareness, tobacco harm reduction and community engagement in Africa’s policy landscape among other topics.
