HARARE, Zimbabwe — Authorities have issued 245 compliance notices and seized 3,427 product units in a sweeping crackdown on retailers violating trade regulations, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said Tuesday during a post-Cabinet media briefing.
The actions stem from compliance inspections conducted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce between January and March 2025, targeting 14 basic commodities, including mealie-meal, cooking oil, bread, and sugar.
Muswere said 137 prosecutions were initiated as part of efforts to safeguard consumer welfare amid price volatility and supply concerns.
He added that although the wholesale and retail sectors had faced viability challenges resulting in branch closures and reduced operations, there were signs of recovery. “The narrowing of the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates has helped stabilize prices,” he said.
Cabinet also noted that local products continue to dominate shelf space in both formal and informal outlets.
Muswere said the government’s tight monetary policy is starting to yield results by containing inflationary pressures and maintaining price and exchange rate stability.
