Zimbabwe Turns to QR Codes in New Fight Against Counterfeit Goods
Zimbabwe is implementing a new QR code-based verification system to combat the rising trade of counterfeit goods. The initiative, led by Buy Zimbabwe and Owana Lost and Found, aims to protect the economy and public health by allowing consumers to verify product authenticity.
Why it matters
Counterfeit goods cost the Zimbabwean economy over US$1.2 billion annually and pose significant risks to public health and employment.
Zimbabwe is turning to technology to combat the growing trade in counterfeit goods, with Buy Zimbabwe partnering with local technology firm Owana Lost and Found to introduce a digital product verification system.
The initiative will allow consumers to check the authenticity of participating products by scanning a QR code embedded in the Buy Zimbabwe insignia.
Speaking at Anti-Counterfeit Day commemorations, Buy Zimbabwe executive and board chairman Munyaradzi Hwengwere said counterfeit goods posed a serious threat to the economy, jobs and public health.
“The issue of anti-counterfeits is more serious than we imagine,” he said.
Hwengwere estimated that counterfeiting was costing Zimbabwe about US$1.2bn in lost value and more than 20 000 jobs each year.
Counterfeit products, he said, were no longer confined to a few sectors but included food, batteries, rice and chemicals.
The full health impact of fake products, particularly counterfeit food was yet to be established, he added.
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