Online Reporter
Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE is moving to strengthen consumer protection as authorities seek to raise market standards and promote ethical business practices.
The Consumer Protection Policy (2026-2030) is expected to improve enforcement, consumer awareness and compliance across the economy.
The policy comes as digital commerce, cross-border trade and complex supply chains create new risks for consumers.
The operationalisation of the Consumer Protection Policy (2026-2030) is gathering momentum, with authorities calling for greater adherence to standards and ethical business practices to keep substandard, counterfeit and unsafe goods out of the market.
The policy seeks to create a marketplace in which consumers are better protected while businesses are encouraged to produce and supply quality goods and services.
Consumer Protection Commission chief executive Professor Zororo Muranda said effective consumer protection was critical to sustaining economic growth because it builds confidence in the marketplace.
“Consumer protection is not anti-protection; it is pro-growth. A protected consumer is a confident consumer, and a confident consumer drives demand, drives industry and drives national prosperity,” he said.
Professor Muranda said stronger consumer protection would also support industry and commerce by improving investor confidence and creating conditions for sustainable growth.
“In this context, the mandate of the Consumer Protection Commission, as established under the Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 14:44), becomes even more critical,” he said.
Retailer Mr Kelvin Mombe said the policy could help create a more level playing field for compliant businesses by ensuring that traders who cut corners do not gain an unfair advantage.
“Retailers who invest in quality products and comply with regulations need an environment where those standards are respected across the market. Stronger enforcement can help remove substandard goods while also improving consumer confidence in legitimate businesses,” he said.
