Schneider reveals high level of fake electrical goods in Africa

A survey conducted by Schneider Electric in 11 African countries has revealed that 40 to 80 per cent of electrical goods in the supply chain are counterfeit.

Cables, breakers, sockets, switches and extension cords, were the five most counterfeited electrical products - in that order - and China remains the main source of fake electrical goods entering the continent, according to the survey.

Counterfeit electrical goods can be fraught with danger and aside from failing to perform as expected can threaten equipment and lives - often they do not meet fire safety standards.

 China was cited as the country of origin for counterfeits by three quarters of respondents, with other Asian markets making up most of the remainder although locally manufactured counterfeits were also reported from countries such as Tanzania, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

"Having measured the impact of counterfeits on African economies and users' safety, the urgency to act is real," said Tracy Garner, Schneider's anti-counterfeiting global manager.

"For the first time, all stakeholders of the African electrical market will be able to move forward, based on a solid picture of reality."

The survey was conducted among 500 'high-level' officials and professionals from Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.


Image courtesy of Shutterstock / nomad_soul