Minister of Trade and Exports, Hon. Dr. Caroline Kaunda Katotobwe, MP, has called on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to strengthen efforts aimed at promoting a fair, competitive and business-friendly environment that supports the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda. The Minister emphasised that healthy competition is essential for economic growth, business development and consumer confidence. She made the remarks during a meeting with the Commission in Lusaka, where discussions focused on the importance of competition regulation and consumer protection in supporting Zambia’s economic ambitions. She stressed that Government wants businesses to operate and grow in an environment that encourages innovation, investment and fair market practices. She also warned that unnecessary restrictions and frustrations affecting businesses and consumers could weaken economic activity and undermine efforts to expand the private sector.
Dr. Katotobwe explained that healthy competition plays an important role in creating opportunities for businesses while ensuring that consumers have access to quality goods and services. When businesses compete fairly, they are encouraged to improve their products, offer better services and respond to the changing needs of customers. This creates a more dynamic marketplace where consumers have greater confidence in their purchasing decisions. The Minister noted that Government does not want to frustrate local markets, consumers or businesses through approaches that unnecessarily interfere with economic activity. Instead, the focus should be on creating conditions that allow businesses to compete fairly while protecting the interests of consumers.
The Minister further highlighted the relationship between consumer confidence and the overall performance of the economy. She observed that frustrated consumers are less likely to purchase goods and services, a situation that could negatively affect businesses and the wider economy. When consumers lose confidence in the marketplace, businesses may experience reduced demand, which can affect their ability to expand, invest and create employment opportunities. This makes consumer protection an important part of maintaining a healthy business environment. Dr. Katotobwe emphasised that fair competition must go hand in hand with effective consumer protection to ensure that both businesses and customers benefit from the market system.
“To ensure that competition is there and fair, the protection component is very important,” the Minister said. Her remarks highlighted the need for the CCPC to balance the promotion of competition with the responsibility of protecting consumers against unfair market practices. Competition regulation should ensure that businesses have a fair opportunity to operate without engaging in practices that disadvantage competitors or exploit customers. At the same time, consumers should be able to purchase goods and services with confidence that their rights and interests are protected. A strong competition and consumer protection framework can therefore contribute to a more transparent and reliable business environment in Zambia.
Dr. Katotobwe also called on the Commission to embrace digitalisation as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and credibility. She noted that digital platforms could help address some of the challenges associated with service delivery and make the Commission’s operations easier and more accessible. Digitalisation can provide opportunities to improve communication with businesses and consumers while simplifying processes that might otherwise take considerable time. It can also strengthen access to information and make it easier for stakeholders to engage with the Commission. The Minister’s call reflects the growing importance of technology in improving public sector efficiency and supporting a modern business environment.
The Minister stressed that the CCPC has an important responsibility in advancing the Grow Zambia Agenda. She explained that achieving a healthy business environment requires cooperation between Government institutions, businesses and consumers. Businesses need predictable conditions that allow them to make investment decisions, expand their operations and create employment. Consumers, on the other hand, need protection against unfair practices and confidence that the products and services they purchase meet acceptable standards. The CCPC is therefore expected to play a central role in ensuring that these interests are balanced while supporting economic development.
The Grow Zambia Agenda places emphasis on strengthening economic activity and creating an environment in which local businesses can grow. Fair competition can support this objective by encouraging businesses to become more productive and responsive to consumer needs. It can also create opportunities for new businesses to enter markets and compete with established companies. When markets operate fairly, businesses have stronger incentives to improve efficiency and develop better products and services. This can benefit consumers while contributing to a more productive private sector and a stronger national economy.
Meanwhile, CCPC Executive Director, Ms. Eunice Hamvhwa, reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a healthy competition environment for all stakeholders. She explained that fair competition contributes to job creation and supports Government’s ability to generate revenue. Businesses that operate in competitive and predictable markets have greater opportunities to expand their activities and employ more people. Increased business activity can also contribute to Government revenue through taxes and other economic contributions. Hamvhwa noted that these benefits make effective competition regulation an important part of supporting the Grow Zambia Agenda.
The Commission’s work in promoting competition and protecting consumers is particularly important as Zambia seeks to strengthen its business environment and encourage greater private sector participation. Effective regulation can help address unfair business practices while ensuring that companies have an opportunity to compete on equal terms. Consumer protection also helps build trust in the marketplace, which is important for sustaining demand for goods and services. By improving its operations and embracing digital solutions, the CCPC can strengthen its ability to serve businesses and consumers. These efforts can contribute to a more efficient regulatory system that supports investment and economic growth.
The meeting in Lusaka has reinforced the Government’s expectation that the CCPC should promote fair competition without creating unnecessary barriers to legitimate business activities. Dr. Katotobwe’s emphasis on consumer protection, digitalisation and business growth highlights the need for a balanced approach to market regulation. Meanwhile, the Commission has reaffirmed that a healthy competitive environment benefits businesses, consumers and Government through increased economic activity, employment creation and revenue generation. As Zambia continues pursuing the Grow Zambia Agenda, the effectiveness of institutions such as the CCPC will remain important in building a fair, transparent and productive economy. Ultimately, a business environment where companies can compete fairly and consumers can purchase goods and services with confidence will provide a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.