Sustainable Futures

"Consumers Drive Change by Empowering Zambians to Demand Higher Quality, Standard Products that are Environmentally Sustainable."

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia - (13-03-2025) – Zambia marked World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2025 with a strong call for environmental protection and consumer rights, aligning with the global theme, "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles."

The event aimed to raise awareness about consumer rights, promote sustainable consumption, and advocate for policies that ensure a fair transition to environmentally friendly practices.

CALL FOR A JUST TRANSITION

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Mrs. Lillian S. Bwalya, said this today in a speech read for her by Director – Coordination and Delivery at the Ministry, Simmy Chapula.

Bwalya stressed that achieving sustainable development requires shifting toward environmentally friendly economies while ensuring fairness and social equity.

"A just transition involves advancing environmentally sustainable economies while ensuring fairness and social equity. As global consumption patterns shift towards greener practices, Zambia must lead this transition in a way that maintains economic opportunities and enhances consumer welfare," she stated.

She outlined key sustainability milestones that the Zambian government has achieved, citing the National Green Growth Strategy and the Climate Change Policy as frameworks guiding the country’s approach to environmental conservation.

Additionally, Zambia’s investments in renewable energy, including solar and hydroelectric power projects, were highlighted as vital steps in the country’s sustainability journey.

Despite these efforts, Bwalya acknowledged the challenges that hinder a smooth transition to sustainable lifestyles, particularly low consumer awareness and the high cost of environmentally friendly products.

She called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to address these barriers and ensure that marginalized communities are included in policy decisions.

"A just transition must include the voices of vulnerable and low-income groups in decision-making processes. Without their inclusion, sustainability efforts will not be truly equitable," she emphasized.

Bwalya urged businesses, policymakers, and civil society organizations to work collectively to foster green innovation, eco-friendly consumer behavior, and fair trade policies that encourage responsible consumption.

"Only through collective effort can we realize a just transition to lifestyles that benefit both the present and future generations," she concluded.

ENSURING CONSUMER RIGHTS AMID ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Speaking at the same event, Chairperson for the National Organising Committee for 2025 WCRD, Brian Hatyoka, encouraged all Lusaka residents to visit the World Consumer Rights Day exhibitions tomorrow (14/03/2025) at Levy Junction Mall from 08:00 hours to 17:00 hours.

Mr. Hatyoka, who is also Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Manager – Communications and Public Relations, emphasized that the exhibitions will provide a platform for businesses, regulators, and consumer advocates to engage directly with the public.

He urged consumers to contribute to the broader mission of strengthening consumer protection while supporting sustainable practices.

"These exhibitions will highlight the importance of sustainable consumer behavior and offer an opportunity for consumers to connect with industry experts on how they can make better choices for themselves and the environment," Mr. Hatyoka said. 

He made this statement in a speech read for him by Vice Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Onishias Maamba, who is also ZCSA Public Relations Officer.

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION PRACTICES

CCPC Acting Executive Director, Mrs. Eunice Phiri Hamavhwa, called for a nationwide effort to promote eco-friendly consumption habits as a fundamental part of the just transition to sustainable lifestyles.

Addressing a diverse audience that included government officials, civil society leaders, and business representatives, Mrs. Hamavhwa emphasized that Zambia must actively tackle environmental challenges such as droughts, food shortages, and power cuts through sustainable economic practices.

"The transition to sustainable lifestyles must be inclusive, ensuring that no group is excluded. Sustainability efforts must empower consumers to make informed, eco-friendly choices," she urged.

She broke down the two key components of the 2025 theme:

"Just Transition" – Advocating for fair, inclusive, and responsible shifts toward eco-friendly economic models that do not disproportionately affect low-income groups.

"Sustainable Lifestyles" – Encouraging consumer behaviors that conserve resources, reduce waste, and minimize environmental damage.

She pointed out that Zambia must take practical steps toward achieving these goals by reducing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and supporting industries that invest in green solutions.

"Actions like minimizing packaging waste, recycling, and using public transport can greatly reduce our environmental footprint," Mrs. Hamavhwa explained.

She also urged businesses to embrace sustainability-driven policies, citing the importance of eco-labelling, waste reduction incentives, and extended producer responsibility initiatives that hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact.

Additionally, she stressed the need for ongoing consumer education to ensure that people understand how their consumption choices impact the environment.

"Consumer awareness is crucial for Zambia’s transition to environmentally conscious living. We must ensure that sustainability is accessible and beneficial for all," she noted.

Mrs. Hamavhwa encouraged the public to actively participate in advocating for stronger sustainability policies, supporting eco-friendly businesses, and adopting green habits in daily life.

"Together, we can make a significant impact in shaping a sustainable future for our country and the world," she concluded.

MOVING FORWARD: BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

As Zambia commemorates World Consumer Rights Day 2025, stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to ensuring consumer protection while addressing environmental challenges.

The discussions and commitments made during the celebrations serve as a call to action for all sectors to contribute toward a sustainable, fair, and consumer-conscious economy.

Through continued education, policy development, and consumer empowerment, Zambia can successfully navigate a just transition to sustainable lifestyles, benefiting both current and future generations.