Buy Zimbabwe, in partnership with the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB), will launch the inaugural Anti-Counterfeit Day on 26 August amid growing concern over the spread of fake goods, with a recent survey showing nearly half of Zimbabwean consumers have purchased counterfeit products.
The initiative forms part of a nationwide campaign to curb the trade in counterfeit goods, protect consumers and encourage the purchase of authentic locally manufactured products as Zimbabwe pursues industrialisation and economic growth.
Buy Zimbabwe Chairman, Munyaradzi Hwengwere, said the initiative seeks to mobilise all stakeholders to confront a growing illicit trade that continues to undermine domestic manufacturing, threaten jobs and expose consumers to unsafe products.
“Counterfeit products are more than an economic crime; they are a direct threat to our industries, jobs, consumer safety and national development,” said Hwengwere.
He urged Zimbabweans to support genuine locally manufactured products, saying consumer purchasing decisions play a critical role in safeguarding local industries, preserving employment and stimulating innovation.
The launch follows findings from the 2026 ZimBrands Awards Consumer Survey, conducted by Topline Research Solutions on behalf of Buy Zimbabwe, which revealed the widespread presence of counterfeit products on the local market.
According to the survey, 46% of consumers admitted buying counterfeit products, while 68% of those respondents said they knowingly purchased fake goods.
Buy Zimbabwe acknowledged that “the findings underscored the urgent need to strengthen consumer awareness, tighten enforcement of anti-counterfeit legislation and increase support for legitimate Zimbabwean brands.”
Economist applauded the move saying counterfeit products have far-reaching economic consequences that extend beyond losses suffered by manufacturers including depriving Government of tax revenue, discouraging investment and creating unfair competition for compliant businesses.
Counterfeit medicines, food products, electrical appliances and vehicle parts can endanger lives, damage property and expose consumers to significant financial losses.
Buy Zimbabwe said it is working with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and other strategic partners to strengthen enforcement against counterfeit goods, promote fair trade and protect consumers.
Organisers said the inaugural Anti-Counterfeit Day is expected to become an annual platform bringing together Government, industry, regulators and consumers to strengthen the fight against counterfeit goods.
Activities on the day will include public awareness campaigns, exhibitions by local manufacturers, stakeholder discussions on combating counterfeit trade and educational sessions aimed at helping consumers identify genuine products and understand the dangers associated with counterfeit goods.
