ZCSA, CCPC Urge Reforms
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 - (23-4-2026) - The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have urged urgent reforms in procurement systems and market regulation, warning that existing gaps are exposing consumers to unsafe and substandard products.
In a joint statement issued by Onishias Maamba ZCSA public Relations Officer and Memory Phiri, CCPC PRO, the agencies said strengthening oversight, enforcing compulsory standards, and improving procurement practices were critical to safeguarding public health, enhancing product quality, and ensuring a safer and more competitive marketplace.
Luapula Province Education Officer, Mrs. Grace Kandeke Sinkolongo, echoed the call, stressing the need for stronger regulation to curb the supply of substandard, unsafe, expired, and defective products, as well as unsuitable services on the market.
Mrs. Sinkolongo was speaking in Mansa when officials from ZCSA and CCPC paid a courtesy call on her to discuss a joint School Clubs initiative aimed at promoting consumer protection, competition, and product safety among pupils.
She said enhanced regulation was essential to maintaining order and protecting public health.
“Regulation is a good cause because it creates order and prevents diseases and safety risks to consumers. We should not have a situation where traders freely supply substandard products on the market,” she said.
The engagement took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Luapula Exposition and Investment Conference.
Mrs. Sinkolongo urged the two statutory bodies under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to strengthen collaboration with schools, particularly through Home Economics and Business Studies teachers, to improve awareness of consumer protection and product safety.
She also called for increased engagement with Provincial Education Offices and school authorities, noting that strengthening procurement awareness at institutional level would help prevent unsafe products from reaching schools.
She warned that consumption of unsafe food and beverages continued to pose health risks to both teachers and pupils.
“While exercise such as walking and running is beneficial, it cannot compensate for the harm caused by consuming unsafe foods and beverages. Ultimately, you are what you eat,” she said.
Mrs. Sinkolongo commended the two institutions for promoting consumer rights and product safety among pupils, describing the initiative as timely.
ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, said compulsory standards were key to ensuring product quality and competitiveness.
He said such standards should be integrated into procurement systems to ensure compliance and improve access to local, regional, and international markets.
Mr. Hatyoka also urged consumers to read product labels, including details on ingredients, manufacturer information, expiry dates, and storage instructions.
Meanwhile, CCPC Chief Investigator – North, , said the Commission continued to monitor market conduct and address unfair trading practices.
He said the Commission investigates anti-competitive behaviour, including restrictive agreements and abuse of dominance, and takes action against unfair contract terms.
Mr. Mutale said the Commission had received complaints from teachers regarding unsolicited deductions and had intensified sensitisation programmes in schools to improve awareness and reporting.
He said the Commission remained committed to promoting fair competition and protecting consumers through enforcement and public education.
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