a tripartite report - Unctad

ZAMBIA
journal, the Association published an article by the
then Executive Director of the Competition Commission,
Mr. Thula Kaira, on “Why We should have
to economic growth and poverty reduction were
discussed. In the current journal 152 the Association
has published another article by the Commission
The Commission admitted that the allocation of
its resources between competition and consumer
protection work tends to favour consumer protection
because of the nature of the work involved,
which requires a lot of consumer education and
awareness. Most of the stakeholders that were in-
notably the Economics Association of Zambia, cited
the existence of more consumer protection issues
than pure competition issues in the country. A
joint CUTS International/Competition Commission
cerns
in Zambia that was funded by the European
Development Fund (EDF) found that unfair trading
practices in the country centred on misleading
advertising, non-conformity with requirements on
product expiry goods, disclaimers (which were almost
like a disease), and tied selling.
Most of the stakeholders that were interviewed
commended the Commission for highlighting
through its awareness campaigns the consumer
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plementation of the country’s competition and
consumer protection policy and law. Sentiments
expressed in that regard included the following: (i)
there is good sensitization by the Commission of
both consumers and producers over the television
(Zambia Development Agency); (ii) the public is
now aware of the Commission’s existence, particularly
of its consumer protection activities (Citizens
Economic Empowerment Commission); (iii) the
public knowledge of competition and consumer
protection policy and law has increased because
of the Commission’s awareness programmes, particularly
in relation to product safety and in the
area of sub-standard goods (Zambia Association
of Chambers of Commerce and Industry); (iv) the
Commission tries to sensitize the business community
and the general public on consumer issues
through its weekly newspaper column, and its
stakeholder workshops (CUTS International); and
(v) the Commission’s weekly newspaper column is
in the right direction of educating consumers of
their right, and on how to channel their complaints
(Economics Association of Zambia).
The Commission’s weekly column in The Post
newspaper of 17 October 2011 during the fact-
feedback on the efforts by the Commission in sensitizing
the general public on consumer protection
issues. The article is reproduced in full in Box 12
because of its relevance:
Box 12: Newspaper Article on CCPC Conducts Inspections in Eastern Province,
The Post, 17 October 2011
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission recently conducted a sensitization and enforcement tour
in the Eastern Province of Zambia. The Commission toured 6 districts of Eastern Province, namely Luangwa, Nyimba,
Petauke, Katete, Chipata and Chadiza. The aim of the tour was to register the presence and functions of the
Commission to both traders and consumers in the Province, sensitize consumers on their rights and obligations
and how to lodge complaints with the Commission.
1`|The Commission also wanted to check for the display of disclaimers of “No Return, No Refund, No Exchange”
in trading premises whose display are prohibited under Section 48(1) of the Competition and Consumer Protection
Act No. 24 of 2010 (‘the Act’), sensitize traders on their obligations and rights under the Act and to establish
networks between the Commission and local authorities.
The majority if not all members of the public in Eastern Province expressed gratitude over the Commission’s visit,
which showed that there is concern about their welfare. There were a lot of views expressed on the need for the
Commission to engage consumers in the Province as many were not aware of their rights and they do not have the
muscle to enforce their rights against the ‘strong’ traders.
On the other hand, some traders also welcomed the Commission’s tour stating that it is important for traders to
also know their rights and obligations.
ZAMBIA