Zimbabwe Launches Fight Against Fake Products
n By Delicious Mathuthu n nn n Kwekwe, Zimbabwe - The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with Proma Events Africa, has launched nationwide awareness campaign to combat the spread of counterfeit and substandard products, warning
anostrofy By Delicious Mathuthu
Kwekwe, Zimbabwe - The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with Proma Events Africa, has launched nationwide awareness campaign to combat the spread of counterfeit and substandard products, warning they pose a grave threat to public health, legitimate businesses and state revenue.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) said fake goods were rampant across sectors including food, medicines, automotive parts, clothing, solar equipment among others, with complaints flooding its provincial offices.
"Counterfeit and substandard consumer products present a serious and direct threat to public health and safety," CCZ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rosemary Mpofu said.
She said the World Health Organization estimates that one in 10 medicines in low- and middle-income countries is substandard or fake.
The informal sector's growth has fuelled the problem, with fake goods openly sold in markets and along streets, Mpofu said.
The CCZ is rolling out digital verification tools and public education but stressed the need for broader collaboration with government, regulators and the private sector.
They called for tougher penalties including jail terms for those involved in making or selling counterfeits, plus stricter border controls and raids on illicit backyard factories.
Events organiser, Proma, said the campaign would include provincial roadshows featuring exhibitions, discussions and community outreach to help consumers spot fakes and empower enforcement agencies.
He said manufacturers and retailers are invited to showcase authentic products to build market trust.
The initiative will end with a national conference on policy and enforcement, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to give a keynote speech.
Proma Events CEO, Blessing Jeke, said the drive aligns with Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 economic goals and requires public-private partnership to protect consumers and ethical trade.
Media were also urged to amplify warnings about the health risks and economic damage from counterfeits, which Mpofu said undermine brands, erode tax revenue and weaken supply chains.
