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Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Correspondent
LOCAL entrepreneurs have bemoaned low business and have called upon big companies and retailers to support the Buy Zimbabwe Campaign.
In an interview, Mutare entrepreneur, Mr Richard Zengeni said lack of local markets has resulted in some enterprises quitting their trades or moving to bigger cities like Harare and Bulawayo in search of viable markets.
He said there is urgent need to support the Buy Zimbabwe Campaign and encourage bigger companies and retailers to buy locally made products.
“Lack of appreciation of our products from bigger businesses has negatively affected many businesses.
“Big supermarkets are not appreciating our products despite us having the relevant paperwork. Our products were certified and meet all the required standards.
“When you approach them, they will give you a lot of excuses and at the end of the day, they end up buying imports,” said Mr Zengeni.
Mr Zengeni owns a banana chips manufacturing company, Zeengaz.
“Big supermarkets are not promoting smaller players resulting in stunt business growth. The Buy Zimbabwe campaign promotion should be revisited to enable small players to grow their businesses. As small players, we are in need of viable and sustainable local and international markets because we survive on our talent. Because of lack of markets, we are now being forced to undervalue our products,” said Mr Zengeni.
Another entrepreneur, Mr Wiseman Kasira whose company is into toiletries and detergents production, said while business has been low because of the Covid-19 induced lockdown, lack of support from local retailers has compounded the situation.
He said while the Buy Zimbabwe Campaign which had gained momentum some years back appears to be losing steam.
He said as entrepreneurs they have the potential to contribute immensely to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
“Buying a Zimbabwean product safeguards the future and jobs.
“The current trend which has seen a lot of smaller businesses closing due to the pandemic is disturbing, but it can be avoided if the Buy Zimbabwe campaign is revisited. We all rely on these small businesses. Our children rely on these jobs and the entire economy of Zimbabwe relies on whatever business is operating in the country regardless of size,” he said.
The Buy Zimbabwe Campaign worked with businesses, Government, and consumers in practical matters directed at ensuring increased production and consumption of local goods and services.
The campaign was identified as a project that possessed a lot of potential as it addressed the challenges that business in Zimbabwe was facing and would contribute in reducing unemployment primarily amongst the youth.
It seeks to create a platform necessary to promote the production and consumption of local goods and services in the face of an influx of foreign alternatives.
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