By Beaven Dhliwayo
GROUP FEATURES EDITOR
THE government has made significant efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods, which pose serious economic and health risks to the country.
Speaking ahead of a summit organised by The Financial Gazette in partnership with the ministry of Industry and Commerce and set for December 12 in Harare to discuss the burgeoning counterfeit goods trade, the ministry’s Director of Quality Assurance and Trade Measures, Macheka Muchumairi, said the event promises to be a landmark initiative in combating the trade in contraband goods and safeguarding consumer trust.
The summit themed “Stop Contraband Trade,” will be headlined by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndhlovu.
Muchumairi said part of the efforts to combat the trade in counterfeit goods include establishing an inter-ministerial taskforce which, besides preventing the production and distribution of these products, would also enforce intellectual property rights.
“This taskforce, comprising tax authorities, law enforcement agencies, border control personnel, and consumer protection bodies, is tasked with conducting market surveillance, gathering intelligence, and investigating smuggled and counterfeit goods.
“We also conduct raids and seizures of counterfeit products and recommend policies to combat these issues. While progress has been made, the everevolving tactics of counterfeiters and complex supply chains remain challenging,” he added.
To strengthen enforcement and quality assurance systems, Muchumairi said the ministry has formed strategic partnerships.
“We work closely with Zimra, the police, and the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) to conduct joint inspections, share intelligence, and build capacity among border control officials to identify and seize counterfeit goods,” explained Muchumairi.
“These collaborations have enhanced the ministry’s ability to detect and intercept substandard goods while educating the public about the dangers of counterfeit products.” Muchumairi also said counterfeit products have far-reaching consequences for Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly the manufacturing sector.
“They undermine the market share of legitimate businesses, resulting in reduced revenue and job losses. Additionally, they tarnish the reputation of authentic brands, eroding consumer trust,” noted Muchumairi.
“Counterfeiters often benefit from the hard work and innovation of genuine businesses without contributing to research and development,” he added.
Muchumaira said the ministry has come up with initiatives to boost local production and ensure compliance with international standards.
“We are implementing the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP) for 2024–2025, which focuses on reducing the import bill and facilitating the production of high-quality, authentic goods.
“Additionally, partnerships with SAZ are equipping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the skills needed to meet international standards, thus opening doors to export markets,” Muchumairi revealed.
He said the informal market, often a hotspot for counterfeit goods, is a significant focus of the ministry’s efforts.
“We conduct regular market surveillance and inspections to identify and seize counterfeit products. Awareness campaigns also inform consumers about the risks associated with these goods. Local councils and community leaders have been engaged to curb counterfeiting activities in informal markets,” said Muchumairi.
Zimbabwe is tapping into regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to combat the trade in contraband goods.
“AfCFTA offers a framework for harmonising intellectual property rights enforcement, strengthening border controls, and fostering collaboration with other African nations. This regional approach is expected to reduce the movement of counterfeit goods across borders while protecting local businesses.”
Muchumairi also said the government is providing incentives to help businesses protect their intellectual property and compete against counterfeit products.
“We are strengthening intellectual property laws to align with international standards and conducting workshops to educate businesses on intellectual property rights.
“Collaboration with organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has further enhanced Zimbabwe’s capacity to combat counterfeiting. While progress has been made, there is still room for improvement in enforcement and awareness,” he admitted.
Muchumairi called for all stakeholders to unite in the fight against counterfeiting. “The government remains committed to creating a fair business environment where consumers are protected, and legitimate businesses can thrive. However, this requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society.
“As Zimbabwe intensifies its fight against counterfeit products, the ministry’s robust measures and collaborations offer hope for safeguarding the nation’s economy and consumer welfare,” he said further.
The Counterfeit Products Awareness and Prevention Summit organised by The Financial Gazette – the country’s number one business publication – in partnership with the ministry of Industry and Commerce promises to be a landmark initiative in combating counterfeit goods and safeguarding consumer trust.
