By Talkmore Gandiwa
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has intensified its drive to strengthen consumer rights and curb the spread of counterfeit goods across Zimbabwe, aligning its strategic roadmap with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.
Speaking at the CPC’s pre-strategic meeting engagement for 2026, Board Chairperson Elizabeth Nyankwo said the Commission’s key focus is to ensure every Zimbabwean consumer is both aware of their rights and protected by law. “Our mandate is not only to protect but also to educate both consumers and business players about their rights, duties, and responsibilities,” she said.
Nyankwo highlighted that the Commission plays a unique role as a “regulator of regulators,” working closely with institutions such as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, National Consumer Councils, Zimbabwe Republic Police, and National Prosecuting Authority to build a fair and transparent marketplace. “We aim to create a marketplace where every consumer and business player operates within the boundaries of fairness and compliance,” she added.
The Commission’s 2026 strategic review comes at a time Zimbabwe’s retail sector continues to battle the proliferation of counterfeit products—ranging from mislabeled food items to fake branded goods—that threaten consumer safety and distort fair competition. In recent months, the CPC has spearheaded several joint operations with law enforcement agencies, leading to the destruction of large quantities of counterfeit products.
“These counterfeit products remain a menace,” Nyankwo said
Retailers and wholesalers have also welcomed the Commission’s proactive stance. One retail representative said the partnership with the CPC had already yielded results in raising awareness of the Consumer Protection Act and addressing the challenges facing small retailers.
“We’ve had fruitful engagements this year with the CPC to close knowledge gaps and develop strategies to tackle counterfeit goods. The next step is regional collaboration to stop these fake products from circulating across borders,” he said.
Since its establishment, the CPC has issued numerous compliance and prosecution orders, with many disputes resolved through conciliation before reaching the courts. Nyankwo emphasized that enforcement will continue to be a cornerstone of the Commission’s operations. “We are the biting dogs,” she remarked. “Consumers can testify to the difference we are making through platforms like our Consumer Voice initiative.”
As Zimbabwe pushes toward Vision 2030, the CPC’s strengthened partnerships and strategic focus mark a significant step toward building a consumer-centered economy—one where informed citizens, responsible businesses, and effective regulation drive national progress.
