Global provider in energy management and automation Schneider Electric has announced the results of first survey on electrical counterfeiting products carried out in Africa
The results of the survey revealed that counterfeiting of most common electrical products is widely spread in all African countries, representing 40 per cent to 80 per cent of their markets.
The report noted that cables, breakers, sockets, switches and extension cords, are the five most counterfeit electrical products. China came out top as the main source of electrical counterfeit goods entering Africa (75 per cent of the answers) followed by the rest of Asian countries. Locally manufactured counterfeits originate mostly from Tanzania, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
The survey was rolled out in 11 African countries; Cameroon, Congo Brazaville, DR Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.
“For the first time, all stakeholders of the African electrical market will be able to move forward, based on a solid picture of reality”, stated Tracy Garner, anti-counterfeiting global manager.
“Now, having measured the impact of counterfeits on African economies and users’ safety, the urgency to act is real. Schneider Electric is committed to do its best in answering professionals’ demands and expectations expressed in the survey,” added Garner.
