Online Reporter
Martin Kadzere
Business Reporter
PHILIP MORRIS International (PMI), the world’s largest tobacco company, is considering re-establishing its presence in Zimbabwe nearly 20 years after exiting the local market.
A high-powered delegation, led by PMI’s chief corporate affairs officer, Mr Christos Harpantidis, is expected in the country on February 18, 2026, according to official correspondence on the visit, seen by this publication.
The visit follows a successful diplomatic engagement between Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira and the PMI leadership on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, the Ministry has confirmed.
The discussion will focus on international regulations, to enable Zimbabwe to continue building the infrastructure necessary to process, manufacture, and market its tobacco products globally.
The potential return as Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry is undergoing a massive surge, with the planted area for the 2025/2026 season increasing by 42 percent.
The growth aligns with the Government’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, of growing the industry into a US$5 billion sector by 2030, through shifting focus from raw leaf exports to local manufacturing.
As Africa’s top tobacco producer, Zimbabwe has traditionally exported about 90 percent of its crop in raw form.
Industry experts say the re-entry of a global player like Philip Morris would signal a major endorsement of the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy and provide the country direct access to one of the world’s most extensive supply chains.
PMI shut its local office in Southern Africa (including operations covering Zimbabwe) in 1981 due to sanctions against the apartheid regime.
PMI sells over 130 cigarette brands globally, led by the world’s top brand, Marlboro. Other major brands include L&M, Chesterfield, Parliament, Philip Morris, Bond Street, Lark, Merit and Red & White.
The firm is heavily investing in smoke-free alternatives, most notably the IQOS heated tobacco system and ZYN nicotine pouches.
