Fair competition commission calls for stronger consumer protection

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Fair Competition Commission has pledged to strengthen public education and enforcement efforts aimed at protecting consumers and promoting fair competition in the marketplace.

Speaking during a press briefing at the commission’s offices in Malindi ahead of activities marking World Consumer Rights Day, Acting Director General Aliyah Emanuel Juma said businesses must ensure that products and services offered to consumers are safe, properly labelled and free from misleading information.

She noted that the commission continues to receive and address complaints from consumers while overseeing the implementation of laws designed to protect fair competition and consumer rights.

The ZFCC was established to regulate and promote fair trade practices in Zanzibar while safeguarding consumers from unfair, deceptive or anti-competitive conduct in the market.

According to the acting director general, this year’s celebrations emphasise the theme that consumer protection is a shared responsibility among regulators, businesses and consumers.

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“The commission remains committed to ensuring markets operate fairly so that consumers can access quality products and services at reasonable prices while encouraging innovation in business,” she said.

She added that consumer protection remains one of the commission’s core responsibilities aimed at safeguarding both individual and collective interests of consumers in the marketplace.

Ms Juma also called on stakeholders to cooperate with the commission in building a transparent and competitive market that prioritises consumer welfare.

World Consumer Rights Day, celebrated annually on March 15, raises awareness about consumer rights and promotes accountability in global markets. The observance is coordinated by Consumers International.