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The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has cautioned that the benefits of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would only be fully realised if implementation was inclusive, transparent, and prioritized the welfare of ordinary Zambians.
ZACA has also welcomed Zambia’s continued participation in the AfCFTA, a landmark initiative aimed at boosting intra-African trade, industrialisation, and sustainable development.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, ZACA Executive Director, Juba Sakala said the organization recognizes the enormous potential AfCFTA holds in improving access to a wider range of goods and services, promoting competition, and expanding economic opportunities across the continent.
Sakala noted that consumers would benefit from an increased variety of goods and services as trade barriers are removed, potentially lowering the cost of essential commodities.
“Job Creation and Economic Diversification: By promoting industrialisation and value addition, AfCFTA can help create decent jobs, especially for youth and women, while reducing reliance on imported goods,” he said.
Sakala highlighted that Zambian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand to access new markets beyond national borders, improving incomes and livelihoods.
Concerns and Challenges.
He, however cautioned that without adequate support and protection, local producers may be unable to compete with cheaper or more industrialised imports, risking job losses and business closures.
“Lack of Consumer Protections Across Borders: Cross-border trade must not compromise consumer rights. Harmonised standards, fair competition rules, and effective redress mechanisms are needed to protect consumers,” Sakala emphasized.
He stated that many Zambian SMEs and consumers were not adequately informed about the AfCFTA’s procedures, implications, or benefits, limiting effective participation.
Sakala recommended that the Government should invest in domestic production and value addition to ensure that Zambian industries benefit from AfCFTA rather than being sidelined.
“Ensure Consumer Protection and Awareness: National and continental trade frameworks must include strong consumer safeguards and ensure consumers are informed about their rights under the AfCFTA,” he said.
Sakala also stressed the need for technical and financial support to be extended to local producers to enhance competitiveness and export-readiness.
He noted the need for agencies such as the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), and the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) to be adequately empowered and resourced to play their roles effectively under AfCFTA.
“ZACA calls upon the government, the private sector, civil society, and the African Union to ensure that AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement for elites, but a people-centered transformation agenda that empowers local producers and protects Zambian consumers,” Sakala said.
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