HARARE, Mar. 19 (NewsDay Live) — Government has issued a strong warning against the surge in substandard and counterfeit goods, saying unsafe products threaten consumer trust and economic stability.
Zimbabwe marked World Consumer Rights Day in Masvingo on Wednesday under the theme “Safe Products and Confident Consumers.”
Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu said enforcing product standards is critical to protecting consumers and sustaining growth.
“Ensuring goods meet required standards is both a legal obligation and a pillar of economic stability. Consumers must trust that what they buy is safe and fairly priced,” he said.
Ndlovu cautioned that the influx of unsafe imports and fake products is undermining local industry.
“Unchecked circulation of unsafe goods erodes trust, destroys livelihoods, and weakens retail and manufacturing sectors,” he said.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Ezra Chadzamira called for a coordinated response, saying regulators, businesses and consumer groups must work together to enforce accountability.
Lands and Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka said consumer protection remains central to Zimbabwe’s long-term development agenda, anchored in programmes such as ZIRGP and NDS2.
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The event focused on tackling unjustified price hikes, eliminating substandard products, and curbing unfair trade practices.
World Consumer Rights Day is observed globally to promote consumer protection and awareness.
