FCC to unveil consumer protection initiative
DAR ES SALAAM: FAIR Competition Commission (FCC) will next month launch the National Consumer Advocacy Council, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing consumer protection, amplifying consumer voices and strengthening nationwide oversight of business practices.
FCC Acting Director General, Ms Hadija Ngasongwa, said the council’s establishment represents a significant step toward ensuring that consumers nationwide are better represented in policy-making, regulation and dispute resolution processes.
She made the remarks in Dar es Salaam while welcoming the Minister for Industry and Trade, Ms Judith Kapinga, during her official visit to the commission’s headquarters.
Ms Ngasongwa said the new council will work closely with the FCC to enhance regulatory functions, especially in monitoring unfair business practices and improving market transparency.
“This council will complement our mandate as a competition authority and enable us to address consumer needs more effectively. Our goal is to create a strong institutional framework that empowers consumers to defend their rights and supports us in regulating businesses more efficiently,” said Ms Ngasongwa.
She highlighted that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to introducing reforms that deliver meaningful benefits to the public.
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“We are prepared to work closely with the ministry because without collaboration, we cannot fully implement investigative procedures or conduct thorough inquiries that produce credible findings,” she added.
She expressed confidence that once operational, the National Consumer Advocacy Council will become a crucial voice for consumers and a strong partner in ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability in Tanzania’s marketplace.
Meanwhile, Ms Ngasongwa said they will continue to fight counterfeit products and strengthen communication strategies by utilising digital platforms and collaborating more closely with the private sector.
Minister Kapinga commended the FCC for the development, describing the council as an important tool in safeguarding consumer welfare and improving market operations.
She highlighted that the Ministry of Industry and Trade places great importance on the industrial and commercial sectors, which continue to make significant contributions to Tanzania’s economic development.
According to the minister, the industry and trade sector accounts for between 24 and 28 per cent of the country’s export earnings, demonstrating its vital role in national growth.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the industrial base, noting that increased investment in manufacturing will generate employment, boost domestic revenue and strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
“We are enhancing policies to support manufacturing industries that increase national output and stimulate export growth. By expanding our industrial capacity, we will increase production and improve foreign-exchange earnings,” she said.
Minister Kapinga added that the government is working to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and create a more business-friendly environment for both local and foreign investors.
She urged FCC to perform their duties with efficiency, accountability and professionalism. The minister also revealed that the government plans to develop additional special investment zones to stimulate production, expand employment opportunities and grow the national income.
These initiatives are expected to boost both domestic and export revenues while improving the overall ease of doing business in the country
