Chronicle Editor
Senior Business Writer
THE Buy Zimbabwe initiative, a 13-year-old organisation promoting locally produced goods and services, is undergoing significant changes to stay in line with shifting market trends.
Buy Zimbabwe is a prime driver for the preference of locally produced quality goods and services and has helped drive a robust private sector-led initiative resulting in increased local products and the creation of jobs consistent with NDS1.
The Government has previously indicated that the Buy Zimbabwe campaign was at the centre of the national development matrix of achieving Vision 2030.
As part of this transformation, Buy Zimbabwe has hired Select Research to conduct an in-depth study on consumer preferences for emerging and established brands.
“Buy Zimbabwe has embarked on a massive transformation journey to keep in line with changing market trends,” the organisation said in a statement.
“This is to ensure that the millions of entrepreneurs and innovators who are failing to access markets are supported.”
The transformation process involves restructuring the organisation, with Munyaradzi Hwengwere taking on the roles of chief executive officer and chairman, and Alois Burutsa, who was the general manager, moving to marketing and sales consultant.
To deepen its understanding of the local market, Buy Zimbabwe has commissioned Select Research to study consumer preferences for emerging and established brands. The findings will inform the rebranded Zimbrands Awards, which will recognise outstanding local products.
The awards will be held in major provincial cities, including Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and Masvingo, before the national awards ceremony in Harare.
Over the years, Buy Zimbabwe has witnessed significant growth in local products on store shelves, from 10 percent to over 50 percent.
The organisation aims to support inventors, young entrepreneurs, women, and small to medium enterprises to access markets and drive economic growth.
derick.khumalo