By Caroline Konje.
Buy Zimbabwe has launched their 10th-anniversary awards to be held on the 12th of May 2020, with Industry and Commerce Minister Dr. Sekai Nzenza revealing that there has been a significant increase in local products in supermarket shelves.
Speaking during the launch, Dr Nzenza applauded Buy Zimbabwe for their effort to promote the production and sale of local brands.
“It is a mental issue that had grown in the Zimbabwean citizens of thinking that products from other countries are of high quality. However the coming in of Buy Zimbabwe has eradicated that mentality.
‘’ Despite covid-19 there has been an increase of 65 percent of local products on the supermarket market shelves and this is highly commendable. Processed foods have gone up from 20 percent to 47 percent’’ she said.
Former Buy Zimbabwe Chairperson who is now the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Settlement Dr Anxious Masuka also graced the event in support of Buy Zimbabwe.
In his remarks he underscored the importance of forging closer cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in production and promotion of local products.
‘’For the local products to be, there must be local supplies of raw materials and that can only happen when the two ministries work together from agriculture to manufacturing.
‘’Vision 2030 of having an upper middle class is now attainable due to the linkage of the two ,’’he said.
Speaking during the same event, Buy Zimbabwe Board Chairman and founder Munyaradzi Hwengwere called on Zimbabweans to keep purchasing local products so as to create jobs, wealth and pride.
‘’Jobs come from our consumer buying behaviour and we are hoping that after 10 years we will be able to communicate that industry is part of vision 2030 as it links with agriculture and mining.’’
Mr Hwengwere applauded the government for being on the forefront of supporting the private sector.
The event was also graced by the Buy Zimbabwe board members, N Richards Group Director Mr Archie Dongo, Afrosoft Holdings Head of Projects Mr Gabriel Choga, Ultime Accolade Director Engineer Itai Masuka, Chloride Exide Managing Director Kudzai Pasipanodya, government officials and members of the fourth estate.
