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Obey Musiwa
Online Reporter
THE Government has reaffirmed that consumer protection is not only about safeguarding buyers from exploitation, but is also critical to driving industrialisation, strengthening public confidence and promoting inclusive economic growth under Vision 2030.
This emerged at the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), held against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s ongoing structural economic transformation under the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (ZNIDP 2) for 2026–2030.
The meeting highlighted how digital trade, cross-border commerce and industrial expansion are reshaping consumer experiences and expectations, with Government, regulators and consumer advocates calling for greater fairness, accountability and consumer empowerment.
In a speech read on his behalf by Industry and Commerce Ministry Chief Director Ms Florence Makombe, Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said consumer protection was a key pillar of industrialisation and economic empowerment.
He linked fair markets to national prosperity.
“Consumer protection is not anti‑business; it is pro‑growth,” he said.
“A protected consumer is a confident consumer, and a confident consumer drives demand, drives industry, and drives national prosperity.”
“The marketplace is rapidly evolving; the mandate of the Consumer Protection Commission becomes even more critical.”
Minister Ndlovu said that consumer protection must evolve alongside industrial growth and digital trade.
“Under the Buy Zimbabwe Campaign, the Local Content Strategy, and the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, we have witnessed increased capacity utilisation, expansion of retail and manufacturing, and growing investor confidence,” he said.
“However, this growth must be inclusive, fair, and consumer‑centric.”
CPC board chairperson Commissioner Respina Zinyanduko highlighted that strengthened institutional capacity and nationwide presence were positioning consumer protection as a driver of inclusive economic development.
“As we speak, Honourable Minister Sir, the commission now has officers in all 10 of the country’s provinces.
“Particular attention was given to emerging risks affecting consumers, including counterfeit and substandard products, informal trade practices, and conduct that may expose consumers to health, safety, and financial harm,” she said.
CPC chief executive officer Professor Zororo Muranda emphasised enforcement, visibility, and consumer empowerment.
He noted that complaints handling and awareness campaigns are reshaping trust in the marketplace.
“The Commission received 625 complaints in 2025 from various consumer categories across the country,” said Prof Muranda..
“Several awareness campaigns were conducted even in remote and marginalised areas such as Mudzi, Kanyemba, Muzarabani, Mt Darwin, and Tsholotsho.”
Online Reporter