Staff Writer
Buy Zimbabwe in partnership with POSB is pleased to announce that it will host the Buy Zimbabwe AntiCounterfeit Day on 26 August 2026, a landmark national initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit products and promoting the consumption of genuine, locally manufactured goods.
Based on the 2026 ZimBrands Awards Consumer Survey conducted by Topline Research Solutions for Buy Zimbabwe, 46% of consumers indicated that they have purchased counterfeit products, while 68% of those consumers admitted that they did so knowingly.
The findings of the 2026 Zimbrands Awards underscore the growing prevalence of counterfeit goods in the market and the need for stronger consumer awareness, enforcement and support for genuine Zimbabwean products.
Speaking ahead of the event Buy Zimbabwe Chairman Mr. Munyaradzi Hwengwere highlighted the importance of the Anti-Counterfeit Day as a national effort to protect Zimbabwean consumers and support legitimate businesses.
“Counterfeit products are more than an economic crime, they are a direct threat to our industries, jobs, consumer safety and national development.
Buy Zimbabwe Anti-Counterfeit Day is a call for every Zimbabwean to become an active participant in protecting our economy by choosing genuine Zimbabwean products.
When consumers buy authentic local products, they safeguard jobs, encourage innovation and contribute directly to the growth of our national economy, “said Mr. Hwengwere.
Mr. Hwengwere added that the anti-counterfeit day aligns with Buy Zimbabwe’s mandate of promoting locally produced goods.
“The Buy Zimbabwe Anti-Counterfeit Day is a natural extension of our mandate to promote locally produced goods and build a resilient national economy.
“Every counterfeit product sold undermines the hard work of Zimbabwean manufacturers, threatens livelihoods and compromises consumer confidence in local brands” Hwengwere added.
Economist Dr. Levious Chiukira noted that the economic cost of counterfeiting extends well beyond lost sales for manufacturers. Dr Levious Chiukira said,”Counterfeit goods distort markets, reduce government revenue through lost taxes, discourage investment and weaken the competitiveness of legitimate businesses.
A strong anticounterfeit culture is essential for industrialisation, investor confidence and sustainable economic growth. Supporting authentic Zimbabwean products is both an economic and patriotic responsibility that benefits the entire nation.”
Buy Zimbabwe calls upon manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, brand owners, consumers and all public and private sector stakeholders to participate in the forthcoming Anti-Counterfeit Day on 26 August 2026.
Buy Zimbabwe is proud to be working in partnership with ZIMRA and other strategic stakeholders in advancing initiatives that protect legitimate businesses, promote fair trade and safeguard consumers from counterfeit products.
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