Mulenga Calls for Safe Products to Strengthen Consumer Confidence
The Zambian Government has reaffirmed that consumer confidence depends on the assurance that products and services available on the market are safe, reliable and compliant with regulatory standards.
Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Consumer Rights Day 2026 with a national event held in Kabwe under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga highlighted the importance of consumer protection in strengthening trust between businesses and the public.
Mr Mulenga noted that hosting the event in Kabwe formed part of the Government’s commitment to decentralising national programmes and ensuring that awareness of consumer rights reaches communities beyond Lusaka.
The gathering brought together local businesses, consumers and stakeholders, providing an opportunity to engage directly with regulatory institutions and better understand their role in promoting safe products and fair market practices.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Trade Lillian S. Bwalya, the minister emphasised that consumers remain the backbone of every economy.
“When consumers have confidence in the safety and quality of goods and services, they are empowered to participate actively in economic activity. Sustaining this confidence, however, requires strong regulatory frameworks, effective enforcement and responsible business practices,” he said.
He commended regulatory bodies such as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency and the Zambia Bureau of Standards for their critical role in ensuring that products on the market meet required safety and quality standards.
Businesses were urged to operate with integrity, comply with regulations and prioritise consumer safety in order to maintain trust within the marketplace.
Mr Mulenga also reminded members of the public that consumers themselves have a responsibility to remain vigilant, seek accurate information about the products they purchase and report unsafe or substandard goods to the relevant authorities.
An informed consumer, he stressed, is a protected consumer.
The national organising committee, comprising Government institutions, regulators and private sector stakeholders, was praised for coordinating activities leading up to the commemoration.
These included media briefings, public sensitisation campaigns, school programmes, exhibitions and panel discussions aimed at strengthening consumer protection.
As Zambia marked World Consumer Rights Day 2026, stakeholders called for collective commitment to building a marketplace where products are safe, businesses are accountable and consumers remain confident.
