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KABWE MAKES HISTORY AS ZAMBIA HOSTS 2026 WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY

2026-03-15

The spirit of consumer empowerment was alive and thriving in Kabwe on March 14th, 2026, as Zambia commemorated World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) at the historic Mukuyu Tree. The event saw an overwhelming turnout from people from all walks of life, transforming the site into a vibrant hub of activity and awareness.

The day was marked by a rich exhibition where various institutions set up stands, not only engaging with local residents but also hosting a distinguished lineup of guests, including the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary, Board Chairpersons, and heads of statutory bodies.

The proceedings were officially launched by Mrs. Lillian Bwalya on behalf of Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry. In a significant move toward inclusivity, Mrs. Bwalya explained the rationale behind choosing Kabwe as the host city. She stated that the commemoration was officiated from Kabwe "to allow for other provinces to have a feel of what government is doing, taking services closer to the people and ensuring that awareness on consumer rights and responsibility reaches communities across the country."

Addressing the crowd, Mrs. Bwalya delivered a powerful message on the economic role of the public. "Consumers are the foundation of every economy," she emphasized. "When consumers have confidence in the safety and the quality of products and services on the market, they are empowered to participate actively in the economy." She also revealed that the government has officially revised the Act that provides for consumer protection, a move set to strengthen the provisions that allow aggrieved individuals to seek intervention from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). She urged the public to remain vigilant and seek accurate information when making purchases.

Echoing this sentiment, CCPC Executive Director introduced the global theme to the audience: "Safe Products, Confident Consumers." She unpacked the theme, stressing that it highlights the critical importance of ensuring goods on the market are safe, reliable, and honestly represented.

Further solidifying the commission's commitment, Mr. Sikambala M. Musune, CCPC Vice Chairperson, spoke on behalf of Board Chairperson Ms. Angela Kafunda. He linked the occasion directly to the CCPC’s strategic goals, noting that the relationship between the government, businesses, and consumers is central to creating stakeholder value. He highlighted the three pillars anchoring CCPC strategy: Market Integrity, Consumer Empowerment, and Collaborative Regulations.

The District Permanent Secretary for Central Province also graced the occasion, adding that consumer protection is an important component of economic development.

CCPC

CCPC BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ DECISION ON YANGO ZAM LIMITED INVESTIGATIONS

2026-02-03

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the Commission) wishes to clarify and provide accurate information regarding recent media reports following its media briefing held on 2^nd February 2026.

The Commission has noted that certain sections of the media reports have selectively highlighted and hence failed to fully avail the public with the accurate and full details of among other cases concluded in 2025, the case related to Yango Zam Limited (Yango).

As the statutory authority mandated to investigate, assess, and determine competition and consumer protection matters, the Commission considers it important to outline the background, scope, and outcome of the investigations relating to Yango Zam Limited, which were concluded by the Commission and determined by the Board of Commissioners in 2025. This is intended to support public understanding of the matter within its proper legal and procedural context.

In the interest of transparency, accountability, and public understanding, the Commission hereby sets out the factual background, findings, and determination relating to the investigations into Yango Zam Limited, as conducted by the Commission and determined by the Board of Commissioners.

This statement therefore is meant to provide clarity on the correct facts on the Yango matter as presented in the Press Statement by the Commission’s Executive Director.

In 2022, the Commission initiated investigations against Yango Zam Limited regarding allegations of predatory pricing of online ride hailing services. The Investigation was initiated after the Commission received complaints alleging that Yango Zam was pricing taxi rides below the marginal costs incurred in the provision of ride hailing services, to obtain market share. It was alleged that the conduct made other competitors in the online ride hailing service provision, who did not have the capacity to price below marginal costs, to exit the market. It was alleged that once all the competitors had exited the market, Yango Zam would hike their prices and make abnormal profits to the detriment of consumers. It was further submitted that Yango Zam was not paying taxes for their operations in Zambia and as such were able to charge lower prices than their competitors who were paying taxes.

The Commission also received complaints where it was alleged that the prices that Yango Zam was charging customers on the Yango digital platform were too low. The complaints further alleged that drivers were unable to cancel rides if they decided not to proceed with the order before picking the customer and that before picking the customer, drivers were unable to see the details of trips such as destination and price of the trip. Further, it was alleged that even the other incentives such as the weekly bonuses which were previously provided by Yango Zam to the drivers were withheld or revoked in unexplained circumstances.

Further complaints received by the Commission against Yango Zam entailed that online ride hailing drivers were operating outside the provisions of the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002 as they did not hold licenses which allowed them to operate as taxi service providers. It was submitted that this was unfair as traditional taxi operators were required to carry such licenses. In addition, it was also alleged that passengers had the ability to reduce the fare for the ride and did not consider the wear and tear of the vehicle.

Following a comprehensive investigation and consideration of the submissions made relating to violations under the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010 as amended, the Board of Commissioners determined that Yango Zam Limited contravened Sections 8, 10, and 16(2)(a) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act. The Board further determined that Yango Zam Limited did not contravene Section16 (2) (g) of the Act.

In resolving this case, the Board determined that Yango ZAM Limited had violated

a)    Section 8, on Anti-Competitive agreements or concerted practices concluding that their agreement had the illegal effect of preventing and restricting competition in violation of the Act

b)   Section 10, that lack of pricing autonomy, driven by the platform's control over fare calculation and presentation, functions as an indirect form of Resale Price Maintenance.

c)    And that Yango abused its dominant position in the market, contrary to Section 16 (2) (a) of the Act, by imposing unfair trading conditions on drivers.

d)   They further determined that Yango Zam Limited did not contravene Section 16 (2) (g) of the Act, that Yango did not set prices below the marginal cost when providing online ride hailing services.

 

In view of the deliberations and determination given above, the Board of Commissioners further directed that:

 

a.     Yango is fined 2 % of their total annual turnover for violation of Section 8 of the Act;

b.     Yango is fined 7% of their total annual turnover for violation of Section 10 of the Act.

c.      Yango is fined 3% of their total Annual Turnover for violation of Section 16 of the Act.

d.     Yango submits it audited book of accounts for 2023 for the determination of the fine.

e.      Yango opens a physical interaction platform with the drivers where drivers can air their grievances and concerns and suggestions.

f.       Yango should ensure that their platform shows the price and destination of a trip before a driver accepts a ride; and,

g.     The Complainants be informed of the Commission’s findings.

CCPC

COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMISSION WARNS SCHOOLS AGAINST RESTRICTING PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND LEARNERS IN CHOOSING UNIFORM SUPPLIERS

2026-01-21

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued a caution to schools that are in the habit of tying school places to the purchase of uniforms from their schools or from specific suppliers, not to force or coerce parents/guardians and learners to purchase school uniforms exclusively from them or selected suppliers. CCPC notes that this practice is common among some schools at the beginning of each academic year. This conduct violates the provisions of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010, as amended by Act No. 21 of 2023. The practice of forcing learners, their parents, or guardians to purchase uniforms solely from the school or selected suppliers restricts consumer choice. CCPC warns that such practices can lead to inflated prices, reduced consumer choice, and diminished quality for the affected learners, parents, and guardians. School authorities engaging in these activities should be aware that the law prohibits such practices, as they do not only violate consumer rights but these practices also distort market competition. Furthermore, the practice of restricting uniform purchasing options excludes other competitive sources, thereby distorting the market and creating an unfair advantage for specific suppliers. Such exclusionary and anti-competitive conduct of tying school places to buying of uniforms impedes the promotion of healthy market competition. While CCPC acknowledges that school uniforms must meet specific standards, it emphasizes that schools should provide guidelines on the type, shade, and colour of uniforms required but should not mandate that parents or guardians purchase them exclusively from the school or designated suppliers. Leaners and parents who choose to purchase uniforms from alternative sources at competitive prices must ensure that the uniforms meet the school’s standards. CCPC commends members of the public who have reported such practices and the schools that have complied with the law after being engaged by the Commission. CCPC encourages members of the public who encounter similar practices to file complaints promptly, in order to ensure that such matters are addressed in a timely manner. Further, CCPC would like to warn all schools to comply with the provisions of the law as failure to do so may attract a penalty of up to one hundred and fifty thousand penalty units in case of a ‘person’ and up to 10% of annual turnover in case of an ‘enterprise.’

CCPC

MINISTER OF COMMERCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY HONOURABLE CHIPOKA MULENGA HANDS OVER A $40,000 WORTH FORD RANGER TO CCPC!

2025-12-17

In a move to enhance operational efficiency, today 17th December 2025, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Honourable Chipoka Mulenga, officially handed over a Ford Ranger vehicle, valued at $40,000, to the Commission.

The vehicle is procured under the visionary Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry to streamline trade,  and unlock the immense economic potential of the corridor for the benefit of the Zambian people.

During the handover ceremony, the Honourable Minister Mulenga commended the Commission for its dedication to the industrial agenda.

The Ford Ranger is expected to greatly improve the Commission’s mobility, allowing officers to better serve businesses, conduct inspections, and facilitate smoother trade processes.

CCPC