Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
IN a decisive move to curb the proliferation of counterfeit products in Zimbabwe, Government, in collaboration with industry leaders and key stakeholders, convened a high-level indaba under the theme: “Combating Counterfeit Products in Zimbabwe and Fostering Economic Growth.”
Hosted in Harare by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in partnership with National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF), the meeting sought to address the rising threat posed by counterfeit goods to public health, consumer safety, and economic stability.
Counterfeit products have permeated various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and consumer goods, presenting dire consequences for both consumers and businesses.
Fake medicines, for example, can result in ineffective treatments and contribute to drug-resistant diseases, while substandard electrical goods and appliances pose serious safety hazards.
The influx of these illicit products also threatens the sustainability of local industries by creating an uneven playing field in the market.
Speaking at the event, Industry and Commerce Minister, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, represented by his deputy, Honourable Raj Modi, underscored the gravity of the problem.
He noted: “A multi-stakeholder approach is essential to address the problem. Counterfeit goods have proliferated and flooded the domestic market, posing significant risks to consumers, especially since these goods are not tested and certified by the respective standards bodies.”
The economic impact of counterfeiting is profound. It stifles industrial growth, reduces Government tax revenues, and discourages both local and foreign investment.
Global estimates indicate that counterfeit and pirated goods result in billions of dollars in losses annually, with Zimbabwe bearing a substantial portion of these financial setbacks.
The Minister further remarked: “At the end of the day, our local industries suffer huge market losses as consumers only look at the cheap prices that informal traders offer without considering that they do not pay any taxes to Government.”
To combat the rising tide of counterfeit goods, Government has implemented several measures, including an intensified nationwide crackdown that has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and smuggled products worth over US$2,4 million.
The Minister urged consumers to remain vigilant and purchase goods from properly registered shops, as informal markets have become hotspots for the sale of counterfeit goods.
Further reinforcing its commitment to tackling counterfeits, the government introduced the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP) 2024-2025 in November last year.
This initiative is designed to enforce consumer protection laws, trade measures, and quality standards to mitigate the influx of substandard goods into the market.
Key strategies which Zimbabwe can adopt to curb the counterfeit menace include strengthening legal frameworks to align with international intellectual property laws such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
Enhancing consumer awareness through nationwide educational campaigns should be emphasized to ensure the public is informed about the dangers of counterfeit goods.
Additionally, the use of emerging technologies such as QR codes and blockchain solutions should be embraced to verify product authenticity and enhance supply chain transparency.
Recognising that counterfeiting is, not just a national issue, but a regional concern, the conference also called for stronger cross-border collaborations.
Zimbabwe is set to work closely with regional bodies such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to harmonize policies, improve information-sharing mechanisms, and strengthen enforcement efforts.
Building institutional capacity is another critical area, through increased training and equipping of law enforcement agencies to effectively combat counterfeit trade.
The indaba is a milestone in the fight against counterfeiting, bringing together key voices to formulate concrete solutions to a growing crisis.
By combining legal reforms, technological advancements, consumer education, and regional cooperation, Zimbabwe is taking significant steps to safeguard its economy, protect its consumers, and restore the integrity of its industrial sector.
As Minister Ndlovu aptly concluded: “We have declared war on counterfeit goods and are strengthening our institutions to tackle this issue effectively.”
