By Alfred Zacharia
Dr. Seleman Jafo, the Minister for Industry and Trade, played a pivotal role in concluding the celebration of World Consumer Rights Day on March 21, 2025.
The event, organized by the Fair Competition Commission (FCC), brought together various stakeholders to raise awareness about the rights of consumers.
This annual celebration, observed globally on March 15, serves as a platform to highlight the importance of safeguarding consumer rights, with this year's theme being "Rights and Sustainable Life for Consumers."
Dr. Jafo’s opening remarks emphasized the significance of consumer protection in a thriving economy. He stressed the role of the government in ensuring that Tanzanian consumers are protected from exploitation, particularly in the face of global market dynamics.
"The rights of consumers are fundamental to the success of our economy. Ensuring that consumers are treated fairly is not only a moral obligation but an essential factor in fostering sustainable development," Dr. Jafo remarked.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration among regulatory bodies, urging the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), and other relevant institutions to work together to guarantee high-quality and fairly priced goods and services for all Tanzanians.
Mr. William Erio, the Director General of the Fair Competition Commission (FCC), underscored the Commission's continuous efforts in protecting consumers and promoting market competition.
Mr. Erio highlighted the global importance of consumer rights, which serve as the backbone of a functioning market system.
"Today, we reflect on the global efforts made to protect consumers, and here in Tanzania, we continue to ensure that our market environment is fair, transparent, and conducive to both businesses and consumers," he said.
Mr. Erio also celebrated the FCC’s recent achievement of receiving the International Certification Organization (ICO) certification, marking a significant milestone in the Commission's efforts to achieve international recognition and build global trust.
He emphasized that the ICO certification would not only enhance Tanzania's market reputation but also attract international investors who are keen to engage in a competitive and well-regulated market.
Mr. Ernest Tenga, representing the Tanzania Confederation of Industries (CTI), also took the stage to express his gratitude to the FCC for its role in encouraging healthy competition in the industrial sector.
He commended the FCC for its tireless efforts in promoting quality products and services within Tanzania’s manufacturing industries.
"It is crucial that industries, big and small, continuously strive to improve their products and services to meet consumer expectations. The FCC’s role in ensuring fair competition fosters an environment where businesses can grow while simultaneously protecting consumers," Mr. Tenga remarked.
He also applauded the FCC for its ICO certification, emphasizing the long-term benefits it would bring to Tanzanian industries.
"The ICO certification is not just a symbol of quality; it is a signal to investors that Tanzanian products meet global standards. This will undoubtedly open doors to more international partnerships and collaborations," he added.
Cynthia Bavo, the Deputy Director of the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS), also spoke on the importance of consumer education.
Representing FCS, which has been a key partner in organizing events like Consumer Rights Week, Ms. Bavo shared insights into their ongoing three-year project aimed at improving consumer awareness and strengthening consumer protection systems.
"A well-functioning market requires an efficient consumer protection framework. Without it, consumers are vulnerable to poor-quality products, unfair pricing, and deceptive business practices. Our mission is to educate consumers on their rights and responsibilities, and to work alongside regulatory bodies like the FCC to enhance systems that protect Tanzanians," Ms. Bavo explained.
She noted that FCS’s collaboration with the FCC had played a vital role in reaching out to consumers across Tanzania, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are respected.
The celebration also included a range of activities designed to engage the public and raise awareness about consumer rights.
These activities included roadshows, radio and TV programs, university lectures, and community outreach programs aimed at educating bus drivers, bodaboda riders, and citizens in key regions, including Kigoma, Songwe, Lindi, Pwani, Manyara, Shinyanga, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam.
The event was supported by several sponsors, including FCS, Trade Mark Africa, NMB, CRDB, and UTT, all of whom contributed to ensuring the success of the celebration.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Jafo reinforced the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders.
"It is crucial that we all work together to challenge service providers and manufacturers to offer high-quality products and services. As we look towards the future, let us remain committed to ensuring that Tanzanian consumers can access what they truly deserve: fair prices, high-quality goods, and the protection of their rights," he concluded.
This celebration of World Consumer Rights Day was not only a reflection of the progress made in protecting Tanzanian consumers but also a call to action for all involved parties to continue advancing the cause of consumer rights and economic fairness. Through ongoing collaboration, public education, and strong regulatory oversight, Tanzania is poised to build a more sustainable and consumer-friendly market environment for the future.