DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Trade and Industry, Dr Selemani Jafo, has directed the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) to collaborate with institutions under his ministry in marking World Consumer Rights Day, emphasising its role in safeguarding national security.
Dr Jafo issued the directive over the weekend in Dar es Salaam while officiating the national celebrations for World Consumer Rights Day.
He stressed that next year’s event should be more inclusive, involving the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), transport regulators, manufacturers and other key stakeholders to strengthen consumer protection.
He urged Tanzanians to take all necessary measures to ensure their consumer rights are upheld. Although World Consumer Rights Day is officially observed on March 15, Tanzania’s celebrations were held on March 21 to avoid scheduling conflicts with other national events.
This year’s theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” underscores the urgency of making sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices accessible and affordable for all consumers while ensuring these transitions uphold people’s fundamental rights.
The event also marked a significant milestone with the official launch of FCC’s ISO certification, enhancing its credibility and attracting investors.
Dr Jafo praised President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for championing consumer protection and advocating for clean energy accessibility across Africa.
He highlighted how her efforts to attract investors are ensuring the availability of quality goods and services while fostering market competition.
He noted that increased investment in the industrial sector has led to a surplus in cement and steel production, expanding consumer choices and promoting fair competition.
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The Minister also emphasised the government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure, which plays a key role in making goods and services more accessible at competitive prices.
He cited the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as a transformative project that has significantly reduced travel time, benefiting consumers nationwide.
FCC Director General William Erio expressed pride in the commission’s ISO certification, stating that it positions FCC among the few institutions in Tanzania to achieve this recognition.
He noted that ISO certification enhances investor confidence and will help increase mergers and acquisitions within the country.
As part of its certification requirements, FCC must now respond to consumer queries and complaints within 24 hours.
FCC Chairperson Dr Aggrey Mlimuka emphasised the importance of the government’s commitment to consumer protection, pointing to last year’s amendments to consumer laws.
He urged FCC to safeguard its newly acquired certification and called for greater collaboration among institutions to raise public awareness through Consumer Rights Week.
Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) Chairperson Lodger Tenga congratulated FCC on achieving ISO certification, noting that it strengthens investor confidence in Tanzania’s market.
He highlighted that foreign investors are drawn not only to Tanzania’s local market but also to the broader East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets.
He added that ISO certification promotes competition and encourages local industries to enhance product quality, ultimately benefiting consumers.
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