Zimbabwe’s second-largest city is positioning itself for a major industrial revival, with the government promising tougher action against counterfeit goods while rolling out incentives to support local manufacturers as Bulawayo moves to reclaim its status as the country’s industrial powerhouse.
Speaking at the Bulawayo Exhibition and Hall of Fame Awards, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi revealed that local producers have made significant gains, with locally manufactured goods now occupying over 60 percent of shelf space in retail outlets, up from around 10 percent just a few years ago .
“This is proof that Zimbabwean products can compete and win. But we cannot be complacent,” Modi warned .
COUNTERFEIT TRADE COSTS US$1.2 BILLION ANNUALLY
The deputy minister issued a stark warning about the scale of the counterfeit problem, revealing that counterfeit and smuggled goods cost Zimbabwe an estimated US$1.2 billion annually .
“Under the National Development Strategy 2, we have intensified the fight,” said Modi, outlining a coordinated approach involving the Consumer Protection Commission, Standards Association of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police working together to dismantle counterfeit supply chains .
Consumers now have access to verifying digital platforms that allow them to authenticate goods instantly using mobile phones, while the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment programme requires imported goods to be inspected and certified for compliance with national standards before entering the market .
“My commitment to you tonight is this: We will continue to protect your markets. We will enforce quality standards rigorously, and we will ensure that Zimbabwean products receive the recognition and protection they deserve,” Modi said .
BULAWAYO SEZ DESIGNATION BRINGS MAJOR INCENTIVES
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube announced that the government has approved the framework for Integrated Provincial Special Economic Zones, with Bulawayo set to receive the designation .
“This will bring substantial tax, financial and logistical incentives to drive industrial revival and attract both domestic and international investment,” said Ncube .
The SEZ framework, approved by Cabinet in May 2026, establishes specialised zones aligned to each province’s comparative advantage. The Bulawayo SEZ will focus on agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy, and diamond processing .
Bulawayo-based companies have already absorbed 33 percent of the approved funding from the government’s Industrial Development Fund aimed at revitalising manufacturing. “This demonstrates that our city is ready to reclaim its crown as Zimbabwe’s industrial powerhouse,” Ncube said .
SMEs: THE BACKBONE OF ZIMBABWE’S ECONOMY
Minister Ncube highlighted the critical role of small and medium enterprises, noting that SMEs contribute over 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product and employ more than 70 percent of the national workforce .
“They are the job creators, the problem solvers and the community builders who form the backbone of our city’s economy,” she said, urging citizens and institutions to “Buy Local, Support Local, Grow Bulawayo” .
Modi called on corporate leaders to open their supply chains to SMEs, citing Carousel as an example of a company that has expanded production and helped SME Next Generation Consulting grow from 12 machinists to 65 while training vulnerable community members .
“The government is committed to creating policy frameworks that institutionalise corporate-SME linkages. We will explore procurement incentives for companies that meet local content thresholds, and we will require transparency in local sourcing,” Modi said. “Partner with our SMEs, mentor them, source from them. Let us grow together” .
LOCALISATION AS ECONOMIC STRATEGY
Youth Network Connect director Philimon Nyirenda said localisation must go beyond sentiment to become an economic strategy .
“Localisation is not just a nice-to-have. It is a strategic imperative towards building a more resilient economy. Something we have now prioritised alongside building regional value chains with other countries in the Southern African Development Community and within the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Nyirenda said .
“Building local and regional value chains will make our economy less vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. It is not a choice. It is a necessity” .