admin
Buy Zimbabwe, a 13-year-old organisation promoting local products and services, has appointed Munyaradzi Hwengwere as interim chairman and chief executive.
His appointment marks the beginning of a major transformation that organisation has embarked on to adapt to evolving market trends and support entrepreneurs and innovators struggling to access markets.
Mr Alois Burutsa, who was general manager, moves to the role of marketing and sales consultant, Buy Zimbabwe said in a statement.
To expand its knowledge of the local market, Buy Zimbabwe has commissioned a research team to study consumer preferences for both new and established brands.
“Zimbabwe has experienced the emergence of a number of new products on the market, especially from young entrepreneurs, women and the small to medium enterprises sector,” said Buy Zimbabwe.
“These inventors need to be supported to promote access to markets and economic growth.
“This is the direction that Buy Zimbabwe is now taking. In consultation with its stakeholders, Buy Zimbabwe has realised the necessity of embarking on a major transformation of the organisation.”
Buy Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting job creation, wealth generation and national pride, noting the widespread adoption of its insignia by numerous companies and products.
Since its establishment, the organisation has seen an increase in shelf space occupied by local products from 10 percent to over 50 percent for most local products.
“Buy Zimbabwe remains committed to playing its part in ensuring that Zimbabwe doesn’t lose the traction on local goods. To do this we will continue working with Government, business and other stakeholders to push the acceptance and preference of local goods to create jobs, wealth and pride,” said Buy Zimbabwe.
The Buy Zimbabwe initiative appear to be losing momentum particularly due to rampant smuggling, which has flooded the retail market with cheaper foreign goods, creating unfair competition for local products.
The Government has since moved to combat the practice by conducting door-to-door searches and this week, it gazetted new regulations aimed at curbing smuggling.
The new regulations identify specific products for which dealers must now prove legitimate importation by providing duty receipts.
Online Reporter