“Support local” is a familiar term for most of us, but truly supporting local brands often requires understanding the stories behind the products and the businesses themselves, especially in the early stages.
This is particularly true for small businesses that hand-make their products or have limited production scales, which can lead to higher prices compared to mass-produced goods.
Small businesses that aren’t yet able to benefit from economies of scale tend to face higher costs for raw materials and production which can make it challenging to compete on price with established brands that offer similar goods to the market.
Supporting these businesses is crucial, as they play a vital role in economic and social development by creating jobs and encouraging skills development, often within local communities.
These businesses also introduce the global market to some of our unique local ingredients, traditions and cultures.
From personal care products to snacks, sustainable fashion and luxurious home goods the following Zimbabwean-founded brands are not only redefining innovation, but also gaining international recognition.
Eny's Treats
Eny's Treats, founded by award-winning entrepreneur and food innovator Tracy Mapfumo, is reimagining healthy snacking by infusing Zimbabwean flavours into tasty and nutritious treats.
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The brand manufactures gluten-free and nut-free seed bars and butters, utilising locally sourced ingredients such as baobab and moringa.
Most of its products include a variety of seeds including sesame, sorghum and millet with some bars introducing people to popped millet and sorghum.
Eny's Treats is committed to not only transforming Zimbabwean foods into competitive products but also empowering local small-scale farmers through sustainable sourcing practices and fair trade partnerships.
The products can be conveniently ordered and delivered to your doorstep or found in select stores in Harare and Marondera.
Kindled
Kindled brings a fresh perspective to handmade candlemaking in Zimbabwe as it offers a unique blend of artistry and cultural heritage.
It offers a variety of collections of handmade candles, reed diffusers, and ceramics inspired by African culture and tradition with Kindled's candle scents each having names derived from words in ChiShona and IsiNdebele, such as 'kadiki' and 'khulu.'
Its products are packaged in distinct terracotta clay jars, echoing the art of ''kuumba hari.'' (moulding or shaping clay pots), while the reed diffusers are elegantly presented in woven baskets and aptly named 'Tswanda Diffusers.'
Founded by Yeukai Chihambakwe, the brand prioritises sustainability by sourcing eco-conscious materials.
Kindled not only showcases exceptional artisanal talent but also serves as a celebration of Zimbabwean artisan culture, offering a unique and authentic experience.
Maintain Organics
Maintain Organics is a hair care brand dedicated to healthy hair, making use of African ingredients in its products.
Founded by Lienne Shonhiwa, the brand embodies her passion for natural hair care.
With over seven years in the market, Maintain Organics has established a strong reputation for revitalising hair and promoting healthy growth.
Formulated with nourishing oils and ingredients that strengthen hair, such as avocado, marula and baobab, its diverse product lines include shampoos, hair oils, balms, and butters.
Available at its store in Harare and through major retailers like TM Pick n Pay Zimbabwe and now Pick n Pay Zambia, this award-winning brand caters to a wide range of hair types, Maintain Organics offers effective hair care solutions for both children and adults.
Ona Natural Oils
Ona Natural Oils is a personal care brand that leverages natural ingredients to create high-quality products specifically formulated for the unique needs of black skin and hair. Founded by biochemist Nigel Ruwona, the brand utilises a range of indigenous Zimbabwean herbs and ingredients, ensuring that each product is crafted with both efficacy and sustainability in mind.
Their diverse skin and hair care product line, available through TM PnP Zimbabwe, includes shampoos, hair growth oils, lotions, and more, all formulated with plants like baobab, mafura, mongongo, marula, and feso, which Ona Natural Oils sources locally within Zimbabwe.
Recognising the importance of sustainable sourcing and community empowerment, Ona Natural Oils actively works with women in marginalised communities who play a crucial role in cultivating and harvesting these ingredients.
Ona Natural Oils has garnered significant recognition in its industry as it contributes to the preservation of biodiversity while prioritising and sustainable practices.
Patch Maoko eZimbabwe
Founded by Chido Kaseke, Patch Maoko eZimbabwe is a sustainable fashion brand renowned for its exquisite, handcrafted handbags.
Utilising eco-friendly hessian fiber, the unique bags are hand-dyed in vibrant colours, resulting in stylish, fun, and functional accessories ranging from purses to elegant wine caddies, phone pouches, and a diverse range of handbag styles and sizes.
With over five years in the Zimbabwean market, Patch Maoko's handbags, characterised by their distinctive aesthetics have a growing network of stockists nationwide.
Beyond crafting beautiful bags, the brand empowers local women by training and employing them in the production process, fostering economic growth and creating a positive social impact within the community.
Pured Agro Processors Tomato powder
Pured Agro Processors (Pured) is tackling food waste in the tomato industry. The agribusiness is founded by Tsepo Manganda, a recipient of the Anzisha Prize, a prestigious award recognising exceptional young African entrepreneurs aged 15-22.
Pured promotes sustainable agriculture.
The brand develops innovative tomato-based products such as Pured Tomato Powder which is made from overripe tomatoes and tomatoes unfit for retail that would otherwise go to waste.
Beyond reducing food waste and providing a shelf stable, value added product to the market, Pured engages and educates farmers on sustainable and cost-effective agricultural practices which help improve their yields, and livelihoods.
Rungano Rwedu
Founded by Rumbidzai Matemachani, Rungano Rwedu specialises in handmade footwear, leather accessories and textile designs.
True to its name, Rungano Rwedu which translates to ‘Our Story’ from ChiShona. The brand strives to create cultural identity through its products.
As it embraces sustainable practices, Rungano Rwedu incorporates elements from across the African continent into its designs such as beads, ostrich feathers and rooster and pheasant feathers.
Handbags made by the brand are crafted from materials like cowhide and kid leather, and are available in various styles and sizes.
A unique feature on its products is the incorporation of woven patterns which are inspired by the brick work of Great Zimbabwe.
This distinctive element can be found integrated into both the footwear and handbag collections.
From reimagining how we incorporate indigenous plants and foods into modern living to celebrating and preserving local heritage through fashion and home goods, these brands are not only contributing to economic growth but also inspiring entrepreneurs to build businesses around their passions and skills.
While we often associate innovation with tech-related businesses, brands like these showcase innovation through their products and design processes, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage and local natural resources.
By supporting these brands and other local small businesses, you contribute to economic growth, empower local communities, promote sustainable practices while celebrating the unique creativity and talent that Zimbabwe has to offer. Do you support local?
- *Anesu-Tendesai Chikumba is a brand strategist passionate about empowering African entrepreneurs and creatives.
- These weekly articles are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant at Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. — kadenge.zes@gmail.com or +263 772 382 852.
