Malawi Tackles Unfair Trading Practices on World Consumer Day
The CFTC's energetic awareness campaign signals authorities are finally getting serious about upholding standards.
LILONGWE, Malawi- Malawi's consumer watchdog is taking aim at unscrupulous business tactics as it spearheads national celebrations for World Consumer Rights Day this March 14th in Kasungu, writes Bridgette Mwanoka.
The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has chosen "Terms and Conditions, Traders' Obligations" as the rallying theme for this year's commemoration in Kasungu district.
The pointed focus reflects rising concerns over lack of transparency from many traders when drafting contracts and service agreements.
Innocent Helema, the CFTC's spokesman, cited an "increasing number of complaints regarding unfair and unreasonable terms and conditions" as motivation for this year's agenda.
Particular areas of concern include opaque dealings in contract farming arrangements, energy provision contracts, and fine-print chicanery from financial services firms.
Too often, Helema lamented, traders are able to unilaterally alter or waive terms post-fact without consumers' consent.
The main event in Kasungu town on March 15th aims to remind both businesses and consumers of their respective rights and obligations.
After an early morning parade, Trade Minister Sosten Gwengwe will headline a lineup of speeches, cultural performances and comedy routines driving home the message.
"As we celebrate this year's World Consumer Rights Day, the Commission reminds consumers and traders that terms and conditions must be well understood by both parties and written in plain, understandable language," said Helema.
"Terms which are unfair, unconscionable or oppressive to consumers have no effect."
The CFTC also provided guidance on properly drafting contracts in a way that is fully transparent.
This includes using official languages, ensuring legibility, providing translations into local tongues, and accommodating illiterate or disabled parties. Businesses found in violation could face penalties.
For a country still emerging from a legacy of lax regulation and poor governance, improving consumer protections is seen as vital for stimulating a healthy, trustworthy marketplace.
The CFTC's energetic awareness campaign signals authorities are finally getting serious about upholding standards.
However, changing ingrained behaviours in Malawi's often murky business environment will likely prove an uphill battle.
But by giving voice to long-simmering grievances, the CFTC hopes to catalyze more assertive consumers demanding fairer treatment from the nation's traders.