Zimbabwe Cracks Down on Smuggling

Nokusa Masuku | 23 October 2025

Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Nqobizitha Ndlovu, has revealed that the government has been working tirelessly to address the issue of smuggling, which has been a significant challenge for the country’s economy.

According to Minister Ndlovu, the main drivers of smuggling are currency distortions and the high cost of doing business in Zimbabwe compared to neighboring countries.

“In the main, they have been taking advantage of currency distortions. They have been taking advantage of a relatively higher cost of doing business in Zimbabwe compared to in the region.

“So they would go and order goods relatively cheaper, avoid making all the payments that they should make so that they can make some bit of profit,” he highlighted.

He stated that the government has made significant progress in stabilizing the currency, making it difficult for speculators to manipulate the exchange rate.

Additionally, Minister Ndlovu Highlighted that the government has been working to reduce the cost of doing business in Zimbabwe, with several legislative changes expected to be implemented before the end of the year.

“We now have a very stable currency. It’s very difficult to even find people who are speculating on the currency. You would find that we have been very resolute in dealing with the issues of cost of doing business.

“It is a work in progress because most of what government has approved will culminate in legislative changes before the end of the year. And really the impact will be felt going forward,” he asserted.

The Minister emphasized that smuggling not only harms the economy but also poses a risk to consumer safety, as smuggled goods may not meet safety standards.