Harare, (New Ziana) — In a bold step towards safeguarding Zimbabwean consumers and ensuring market integrity, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, is preparing to launch an innovative digital platform aimed at detecting counterfeit products.

‎In a statement to mark World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, observed annually on June 6, CCZ Chief Executive Officer Rose Mpofu revealed that the platform, dubbed CCZ Verified, will serve as a collaborative digital tool for both consumers and businesses to authenticate goods and root out fake products.

‎“World Anti-Counterfeiting Day is a moment to reflect on the growing threat of counterfeit goods and their wide-reaching impact on consumers, businesses, and the global economy.

‎To this end, CCZ is investing heavily in verification processes to protect consumers from unscrupulous business practices,” said Mpofu.

‎The CCZ Verified platform is set to become a cornerstone in the country’s fight against counterfeit products, offering real-time authentication for goods and ensuring only genuine items reach the shelves.

‎Mpofu noted that the initiative stems from increasing consumer demand for stricter fraud prevention measures and greater accountability from businesses.

‎“Our platform is designed to meet these expectations.

‎We are already rolling it out in partnership with various brands and working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that fake products are eliminated from the market,” she said.

‎Mpofu stressed that the rise in counterfeit goods calls for stronger regulatory frameworks and the setting of higher standards across all sectors.

‎She reiterated CCZ’s role not just as a local watchdog, but also as a regional and global player in consumer protection standards.

‎“As a member of the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), the African Regional Standards Organisation Consumer Committee (ARSOCoCo), and the ISO Consumer Policy Committee (ISO CoPoCo), CCZ ensures that consumer interests are represented when standards are developed—from the national to the international level,” she said.

‎With the digital platform, Zimbabwe joins a growing list of countries adopting technology-driven solutions to combat counterfeiting.

‎Authorities hope the initiative will significantly reduce the circulation of fake goods, restore consumer trust, and foster a fairer trading environment.

‎As the fight against counterfeiting gains momentum, consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and make use of the new platform once it is officially launched.

‎“This is about empowering the consumer. When people know they are buying genuine, safe, and approved products, the entire economy benefits,” she said.