Zimbabwe spends US$140m importing cosmetics, wigs and toiletries

Zimbabwe has imported more than US$140 million worth of personal care, beauty, and cosmetic products over the past five years, underlining the country's continued reliance on foreign-sourced grooming items.

Official data covering 2021 to 2025 shows that beauty makeup and skincare products were the largest import category, costing US$43,6 million. Other high-value imports included dentifrices (US$20 million), petroleum jelly (US$13,6 million), perfumes, deodorants and antiperspirants (US$16,4 million), human hair and wigs (US$8,5 million), and eyebrows and eyelashes (US$22 million).

Smaller imports such as lip makeup, eye makeup, manicure and pedicure products, dental floss, and cosmetic powders collectively added pressure to the national import bill. In 2025 alone, Zimbabwe spent nearly US$29,9 million on cosmetics, wigs, toiletries, and grooming products.

The growing availability of small retail outlets and the expansion of foreign network marketing companies such as Inuka Fragrances and Avon in major towns and cities have further fueled demand, particularly among consumers with rising disposable incomes.

Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the government is concerned about the persistent drain on foreign currency caused by importing "vanity products" that could potentially be produced locally.

"The President has already demonstrated that as a people we have capacity to do this," Ndlovu said, noting that an Industrial Policy to promote local production and beneficiation will soon be tabled for Cabinet approval.

The policy will emphasise domestic manufacturing, mineral value addition, and import substitution, while encouraging government agencies, financial institutions, and the private sector to collaborate in expanding local production.

Local innovation hubs are already developing alternatives to imported products. Institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe Innovation Hub and the NUST Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship have student-led ventures producing lip balms, shea butter-based cosmetics, herbal shampoos, and natural deodorants using locally sourced ingredients.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu described the cosmetics sector as "low-hanging fruit" for import substitution. He urged engagement with local manufacturers to establish production plants, given that consumer preferences are already aligned with the products in demand.

Minister Ndlovu highlighted that Zimbabwe's manufactured exports have grown from US$171 million in 2018 to over US$570 million in 2025, reflecting the potential of industrialisation and local production policies to reduce reliance on imports and boost the economy.