Philip Morris International, the world’s largest tobacco company, is 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 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Zimbabwe Tobacco Association (ZTA), 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.
“I have the honour to advise the Zimbabwe Tobacco Association (ZTA) of the forthcoming visit to Zimbabwe by a delegation from PMI scheduled for February 18, 2016,” the ministry advised in a correspondence dated February 11, 2026.
“The delegation is expected to meet with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and other relevant stakeholders to discuss matters pertaining to agricultural production, value addition, regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, sustainability standards, and supply chain development, among others.”
ZTA chief executive Mr Rodney Ambrose said the association was “waiting for further information on the proposed visit.”
Key discussions will focus on value addition and beneficiation, helping Zimbabwe build the infrastructure necessary to process and manufacture tobacco products locally to create jobs and retain profits.
The delegation will also address Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, focusing on ethical labour practices and environmental protection.
While the upcoming visit represents the official “public” face of their return, industry insiders reveal that PMI has already “quietly re-entered the market.
Sources indicate that the company has already begun procuring processed tobacco through a local merchant.
“As Zimbabwe’s tobacco production continues its record-breaking trajectory, the entry of global giants like Philip Morris International is critical. To sustain this growth, we must diversify our market with high-calibre buyers who can absorb our expanding yields, ” said one industry expert.”
This comes 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, to grow the industry into a US$5 billion sector by 2025, 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 PMI is a major endorsement of the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy and provides 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.
Following the 1981 exit, British American Tobacco SA held exclusive rights to make, distribute and sell PMI’s brands in Zimbabwe and other regional countries.
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 company is heavily investing in smoke-free alternatives, most notably the IQOS heated tobacco system and ZYN nicotine pouches.-herald
