Proma Events Africa chief executive officer, Blessing Jeke
Stephen Chadenga
Harare based Events management company, Proma Events Africa has collaborated with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe in nationwide roadshows aimed at raising awareness of the rising threat of counterfeit products in local markets.
Speaking in Kwekwe at a press briefing on Monday during the launch of the national awareness campaign on anti-counterfeits organised by CCZ, Proma Events Africa chief executive officer, Blessing Jeke said the roadshows expected to start mid this month are aimed at educating consumers on their rights and promote ethical trade practices.
“Proma Events Africa, in partnership with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe and key government ministries is proud to announce its participation in the national counterfeit goods awareness roadshows, a nationwide campaign designed to combat the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard goods in the Zimbabwean market,”Jeke said.
“The roadshows will travel across all provinces providing a unique platform to educate consumers, empower enforcement authorities and engage businesses on the importance of promoting genuine, safe and high quality products. Through exhibitions, interactive discussions and community engagements, the campaign seeks to strengthen consumer trust and promote ethical trade practices.
“Proma Events Africa recognises that the fight against counterfeit goods requires collaboration between the public and private sectors. To that end, we are inviting manufacturers, retailers, distributors and brands to take part in the roadshows by showcasing and marketing their authentic products.”
Jeke said the roadshows will not only promote visibility of participants but also help consumers distinguish genuine brands from counterfeits, thereby strengthening market confidence.
He said the roadshows will culminate in a national conference on counterfeit goods where stakeholders will deliberate on sustainable policy and enforcement strategies.
“Proma Events Africa remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote integrity in trade, protect consumers and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth under vision 2030,”he said.
CCZ chief executive, Rosemary Mpofu said fake products posed a threat to health as well as undermining economic growth.
“Counterfeit and substandard consumer products present a serious and direct threat to public health and safety,”Mpofu said.
“They undermine legitimate businesses, erode government revenue and weaken public trust in brands and markets.
“We firmly believe that a targeted, large scale public awareness campaign, combined with strong enforcement, business engagement and the use of verification technologies will significantly reduce consumer harm, safeguard legitimate businesses and enhance the State’s capacity to dismantle counterfeit supply chains while boosting national revenue.”
She said to curb this national scourge, authorities could complement existing punitive measures by strengthening deterrent initiatives, meting out stricter penalties that include custodial sentences for those found complicit in the manufacturer, distribution or sale of counterfeit goods.