Fight Against Unsafe Products Intensifies

ZCSA trains Copperbelt journalists to strengthen consumer protection and standards awareness

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (22-05-2026) --- The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency’s (ZCSA) fight against unsafe and non-compliant products has intensified following its move to strengthen media involvement in consumer protection through a specialised training programme for journalists on the Copperbelt.

The agency has trained 40 journalists from Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola, Kalulushi, Luanshya and Mufulira in compulsory standards, product safety and public awareness reporting during a media engagement workshop held at Sherbourne Lodge in Kitwe.

Officially opening the training on Thursday, ZCSA Executive Director Mr. Gerald Chizinga said the media remains a critical partner in protecting consumers from unsafe products and promoting compliance with compulsory standards.

Mr. Chizinga’s speech was delivered on his behalf by ZCSA Regional Manager for Domestic Quality Monitoring (North), Mr. Maxwell Saili.

“The media plays a critical role in shaping public awareness and understanding of standards, quality and consumer protection,” Mr. Chizinga said.

“We recognise that our mandate can only be fully realised when the public is well informed, and this is only possible through effective collaboration with journalists.”

Mr. Chizinga said the training was aimed at strengthening journalists’ understanding of ZCSA’s mandate and improving reporting on standards and consumer safety issues.

He commended the Copperbelt media fraternity for its contribution towards public education on compulsory standards, saying the province ranks second after Lusaka in coverage of ZCSA activities and performance in the ZCSA Media Awards.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a clear demonstration of your commitment to informing the public about issues of compulsory standards and product safety,” he said.

Mr. Chizinga urged more journalists to participate in the fourth ZCSA Media Awards scheduled for later this year by submitting original, well researched and impactful stories on standards and consumer protection.

He said enhanced enforcement and public education campaigns had contributed to reduced cases of non-compliant products in the country.

According to Mr. Chizinga, Copperbelt Province recorded withdrawn non-compliant products valued at only K208 during the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the national figure of K440,645.89.

He attributed the improvement partly to increased media coverage and public awareness campaigns.

Mr. Chizinga said ZCSA currently regulates 102 imported and locally manufactured products, including food items, beverages, electrical appliances, construction materials, fuel, fertilizers, chemicals, cement and used motor vehicles.

He explained that the agency, established under the Compulsory Standards Act Chapter 422 of the Laws of Zambia, is mandated to enforce standards aimed at protecting public health, safety, consumers and the environment.

The agency conducts inspections and testing of imported products at major border points and inland ports such as Nakonde, Chirundu, Kazungula, Mwami, Victoria Falls and Ndola, while also monitoring locally manufactured products through factory inspections and market surveillance.

Mr. Chizinga appealed to consumers on the Copperbelt to remain vigilant and buy products only from trusted and reputable outlets.

He further urged members of the public to check product labels, manufacture dates and expiry dates before purchasing goods and to report suspicious or expired products to the agency.

“Consumers must read labels on products to check for information such as manufacture and expiry dates in order to safeguard their health,” he said.

Mr. Chizinga said ZCSA would continue engaging the public through radio, television, newspapers and digital platforms in English and seven major local languages to increase awareness on product safety and consumer protection.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the media to promote compliance and safeguard citizens from unsafe products.

“With these remarks, I officially declare the media engagement training for journalists in Copperbelt Province open,” he said.