Empowering Zambians for a Sustainable Future: Consumers Driving Change for a Greener Economy

By Francis Maingaila and Francis John, Editor Publisher TipsNews Kansas City

Lusaka, Zambia – March 13, 2025

Zambia marked World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2025 with a resounding call for environmental protection and consumer empowerment, aligning with the global theme “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.” The event underscored the vital role of consumers in demanding higher-quality, environmentally responsible products while urging businesses and policymakers to facilitate a fair shift toward sustainability.

The momentum behind Zambia’s green transition was evident as government officials, consumer rights advocates, and industry leaders gathered to discuss the intersection of environmental sustainability and consumer rights. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Lillian S. Bwalya, emphasized that achieving true sustainability requires a holistic transformation of economic systems, ensuring that no group is left behind. Represented by Director of Coordination and Delivery, Simmy Chapula, Bwalya highlighted key policies such as the National Green Growth Strategy and the Climate Change Policy, which serve as roadmaps for Zambia’s long-term environmental resilience. These policies are complemented by significant investments in renewable energy, including solar and hydroelectric power projects, positioning Zambia as a leader in the regional green economy.

However, despite these efforts, obstacles remain. High costs associated with sustainable products and limited consumer awareness continue to hinder the country’s transition. Bwalya stressed the importance of inclusive decision-making, calling on businesses, civil society organizations, and regulators to ensure that sustainable solutions are accessible and beneficial for all, particularly marginalized communities. The collective responsibility to advance sustainability must include empowering consumers to make informed choices, shifting demand toward ethical and eco-friendly alternatives.

The significance of consumer-driven change was echoed by Brian Hatyoka, Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee for WCRD 2025, who invited Lusaka residents to participate in consumer exhibitions at Levy Junction Mall. These exhibitions, running on March 14, 2025, offer a unique platform for businesses, regulators, and consumer advocates to engage with the public on sustainable consumption practices. Hatyoka, also the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Manager for Communications and Public Relations, noted that public participation is key to strengthening consumer protection and fostering an environmentally conscious marketplace.

Eunice Phiri Hamavhwa, Acting Executive Director of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), reinforced the urgency of embedding sustainability into Zambia’s economic framework. Addressing an audience of policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives, she highlighted the direct link between environmental degradation and economic instability. With the country facing challenges such as droughts, food shortages, and power cuts, a transition to sustainable lifestyles is not just a necessity—it is an imperative.

Hamavhwa broke down the essence of the 2025 WCRD theme into two critical components: Just Transition—advocating for fair, inclusive, and responsible shifts toward eco-friendly economic models that do not disproportionately impact low-income groups, and Sustainable Lifestyles—encouraging consumer behaviors that conserve resources, reduce waste, and minimize environmental damage. She pointed to practical solutions such as waste reduction, increased recycling, and corporate accountability in environmental stewardship. Actions like cutting down on plastic use, supporting sustainable industries, and prioritizing green transportation could significantly reduce Zambia’s environmental footprint while enhancing long-term economic stability.

Beyond consumer responsibility, Hamavhwa called on businesses to champion sustainability through innovative policies such as eco-labeling, waste reduction incentives, and producer responsibility programs. She stressed that corporations must be held accountable for their environmental impact, and policies should reflect a commitment to transparency and responsible production. Education remains a crucial pillar in this transition, ensuring that consumers understand how their choices impact the planet and equipping them with the knowledge to drive meaningful change.

As Zambia commemorates World Consumer Rights Day 2025, the conversations and commitments made during this event serve as a catalyst for long-term transformation. A just transition to sustainability requires a collective effort from policymakers, businesses, and consumers alike. Through ongoing education, policy development, and corporate responsibility, Zambia can successfully navigate this transition, ensuring environmental preservation, economic growth, and improved consumer welfare for generations to come. The power to shape the future lies in the hands of the people—by making informed, sustainable choices, consumers can drive the change needed to create a greener, more equitable world.