Zimbabwe govt engages business in fight against smuggled goods

The Zimbabwean government has enlisted the support of the business community to combat the influx of smuggled and counterfeit goods in the market, according to Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Matabeleland Chapter Annual Business Awards in Bulawayo, Ndlovu emphasized the importance of innovative technologies for economic growth and resilience.

The event, themed "Unlocking New Frontiers for Sustainable Industrialisation and Climate Smart Business Growth," highlighted the detrimental effects of smuggled and counterfeit products on both industry and consumer health. Ndlovu urged businesses to collaborate with the government to address this issue, stressing that collective effort is essential.

He also called on the private sector to uphold corporate social responsibility, particularly in mitigating the impact of the El Niño-induced drought. Ndlovu acknowledged the challenges businesses face with the national currency and its effect on their operations.

At the awards ceremony, 22 awards were presented. George Kudya of Star Distributors was named Business of the Year, with Lovemore Machipisa of Africa Travel Tours and Butho Dube of Enoch Distribution as runners-up. The Bulawayo City Council won the Public Enterprise of the Year award, and historian Phathisa Nyathi received the Lifetime Achievement Award.