Harare, (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe government is developing a comprehensive National Consumer Protection Policy that seeks to advance the interests of consumers through the enforcement of their rights, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said this while addressing guests attending the Consumer Rights Day commemorations in the capital on Monday.

He said the Consumer Protection Policy seeks to protect consumers from unfair and unethical business practices.

“The policy also seeks to uphold consumer welfare by holding businesses accountable for any business mal-practices and unscrupulous treatment of the consumer. This Policy will serve as a cornerstone for our efforts to enhance consumer rights and create a more equitable marketplace,” he said.

Ndlovu said the theme for this year, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles” speaks to the urgent need to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices accessible and affordable for the consumer, as it inherently places a huge responsibility on the suppliers of goods and services, to provide for fair trade practices. He said the theme highlights the need to balance consumer rights with ethical business practices and promote a fair and sustainable marketplace.

“This year’s theme reminds us that as we grapple with the global challenge of Climate Change, consumer rights are at high risk of being neglected. This calls for even stronger consumer protection and empowerment,” he said, adding that the World Consumer Rights Day therefore provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the pivotal role that consumer rights play in shaping a fair and just society.

As the country moves towards its vision of becoming an upper middle income economy by 2030, Ndlovu said it is essential to recognize that the empowerment and protection of consumers is integral to that journey. He said at the heart of the vision lies the recognition that a thriving economy is built on the foundation of robust consumer rights.

“An empowered consumer is a critical element in the production and distribution of quality goods and services and this in turn, goes a long way to improve the country’s image and competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets,” said Ndlovu.

New Ziana