How to lower the cost for prescription eyewear in Africa

The prescription eyewear market is poised to reach a million dollars by the end of 2024, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers. This presents a lucrative opportunity for African manufacturers to tap into this growing market. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Georgette Ndabukiye, the Co-Founder of Wazi Eyewear, shed light on the challenges that make prescription eyewear expensive in Africa and proposed solutions to make it more affordable. One of the primary reasons for the high cost of eyewear in Africa is the significant taxes levied on imports. Ndabukiye highlighted that in countries like Uganda, the tax levels on imports are high, leading to inflated prices on eyewear. In addition to taxes, operational costs such as rent in upscale areas where eyewear stores are located further drive up the overall cost. As a result, consumers end up paying a premium for prescription glasses due to these added expenses. To address these issues, Ndabukiye emphasized the importance of advocating for reduced or subsidized taxes on essential health products like prescription eyewear. By engaging with the relevant authorities, she believes that the tax burden on eyewear can be alleviated, making it more accessible to the general population. While reducing taxes is a temporary solution, Ndabukiye stressed that the key to a long-term fix lies in local manufacturing. Wazi Eyewear is championing this approach by producing prescription glasses locally at an affordable price point. By manufacturing eyewear in-country, Ndabukiye explained that they can bypass import costs and offer competitively priced products to a wider range of consumers, from low-income individuals to high-end users. This shift towards local production not only benefits consumers but also contributes to the overall economic development of the country. Despite the potential benefits of local manufacturing, Ndabukiye acknowledged that one of the major challenges they face is the market's reluctance to adopt locally-made eyewear. Historically, glasses have been predominantly imported, leading consumers to gravitate towards international designer brands rather than local options. Overcoming this perception barrier and convincing the market of the quality and excellence of locally manufactured eyewear has been a persistent challenge for Wazi Eyewear. To encourage local talent and creativity in the eyewear industry, Wazi Eyewear has announced a design competition open to African designers. The competition aims to showcase African creativity and diversity by inviting designers to create eyewear that represents the African identity. With a prize pool of $2,000, the competition seeks to highlight the unique stories and perspectives of Africa through innovative eyewear designs. The deadline for submissions is March 21st, and interested designers can participate by visiting Wazi Eyewear's social media platforms. By promoting local manufacturing and nurturing African design talent, Wazi Eyewear is shaping the future of the prescription eyewear market in Africa, making it more inclusive and culturally representative.