HARARE - Buy Zimbabwe is finally opening its doors to the country.

On Saturday, it unveiled its first store in Zvishavane, stocked exclusively with Zimbabwean-made products.

Buy Zimbabwe spokesperson Munyaradzi Hwengwere sees the opening of the Zvishavane store as a stepping stone to reviving the economy.

He said Zimbabweans can use the power of their pocket to buy locally-manufactured goods, thereby creating more jobs in a country reeling from 80 percent unemployment.

At a launch party on Saturday — officially opened by former Midlands provincial governor Cephas Msipa, guests sipped drinks next to a “Buy Zimbabwe” banner in the mining town.

Models worked the crowd while a DJ played techno music with humorous performances by Gweru-based group Mabiribobi.

The Zvishavane shop opens as Buy Zimbabwe is looking at opening outlets in other emerging markets.

Msipa said Buy Zimbabwe campaign was “noble” and will ensure the customer dollars spent will not be funnelled to other countries.

“I would like to congratulate Buy Zimbabwe on this important milestone,” Msipa said.

“I am particularly excited that Buy Zimbabwe has brought this concept to Zvishavane as a sign of commitment to create jobs.

“It confirms Zvishavane as a fast-growing town linking producers with their markets.”

Hwengwere said the stores will be stockists of high quality Zimbabwean products and will have excellent local stock.

The mission has potential to restore Zimbabwean manufacturing jobs by providing truly local products with 100 percent Zimbabwean materials and labour, said Hwengwere. - STAFF WRITER