“It’s Not Fair”: Zimbabweans Cry Foul As Foreigners Dominate Retail Business Sector Reserved For Locals

Zimbabweans Call for Action Against Foreign-Owned Shops
There is a growing discontent among local traders in Zimbabwe as foreign nationals increasingly dominate the retail sector, with accusations that the government is not effectively implementing laws designed to protect local businesses.

Local vendors have expressed frustration at being sidelined in their own economy, with complaints that foreign retailers are expanding their presence at the expense of Zimbabwean businesses.

Although Zimbabwe’s Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment framework reserves the retail and wholesale sectors for locals, there are concerns that enforcement of these regulations is inadequate. Foreign entrepreneurs from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, the DRC, Rwanda, India, China, and Tanzania have set up numerous shops in Harare’s central business district, reportedly exploiting loopholes and engaging in illicit activities.

According to reports, some foreign traders operate under Zimbabwean names without proper licensing, causing a negative impact on formal supermarkets and local businesses. The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has highlighted the need for a nationwide audit to identify illegal operators and ensure compliance with regulations.

Despite efforts to address the issue, traders argue that corruption and inefficiency persist, allowing unlicensed foreign businesses to thrive. Many Zimbabwean vendors feel marginalized by the influx of foreign-owned shops, citing unfair competition and economic challenges.

Calls for stricter enforcement of regulations and a level playing field for all businesses are intensifying among local traders, who emphasize the importance of empowering Zimbabweans in the retail sector. The outcome of the CZR’s proposed audit could be pivotal in addressing these concerns and restoring balance in the retail industry.