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COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMISSION WARNS SCHOOLS AGAINST RESTRICTING PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND LEARNERS IN CHOOSING UNIFORM SUPPLIERS

2026-01-21

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued a caution to schools that are in the habit of tying school places to the purchase of uniforms from their schools or from specific suppliers, not to force or coerce parents/guardians and learners to purchase school uniforms exclusively from them or selected suppliers. CCPC notes that this practice is common among some schools at the beginning of each academic year. This conduct violates the provisions of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010, as amended by Act No. 21 of 2023. The practice of forcing learners, their parents, or guardians to purchase uniforms solely from the school or selected suppliers restricts consumer choice. CCPC warns that such practices can lead to inflated prices, reduced consumer choice, and diminished quality for the affected learners, parents, and guardians. School authorities engaging in these activities should be aware that the law prohibits such practices, as they do not only violate consumer rights but these practices also distort market competition. Furthermore, the practice of restricting uniform purchasing options excludes other competitive sources, thereby distorting the market and creating an unfair advantage for specific suppliers. Such exclusionary and anti-competitive conduct of tying school places to buying of uniforms impedes the promotion of healthy market competition. While CCPC acknowledges that school uniforms must meet specific standards, it emphasizes that schools should provide guidelines on the type, shade, and colour of uniforms required but should not mandate that parents or guardians purchase them exclusively from the school or designated suppliers. Leaners and parents who choose to purchase uniforms from alternative sources at competitive prices must ensure that the uniforms meet the school’s standards. CCPC commends members of the public who have reported such practices and the schools that have complied with the law after being engaged by the Commission. CCPC encourages members of the public who encounter similar practices to file complaints promptly, in order to ensure that such matters are addressed in a timely manner. Further, CCPC would like to warn all schools to comply with the provisions of the law as failure to do so may attract a penalty of up to one hundred and fifty thousand penalty units in case of a ‘person’ and up to 10% of annual turnover in case of an ‘enterprise.’

CCPC

MINISTER OF COMMERCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY HONOURABLE CHIPOKA MULENGA HANDS OVER A $40,000 WORTH FORD RANGER TO CCPC!

2025-12-17

In a move to enhance operational efficiency, today 17th December 2025, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Honourable Chipoka Mulenga, officially handed over a Ford Ranger vehicle, valued at $40,000, to the Commission.

The vehicle is procured under the visionary Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry to streamline trade,  and unlock the immense economic potential of the corridor for the benefit of the Zambian people.

During the handover ceremony, the Honourable Minister Mulenga commended the Commission for its dedication to the industrial agenda.

The Ford Ranger is expected to greatly improve the Commission’s mobility, allowing officers to better serve businesses, conduct inspections, and facilitate smoother trade processes.

CCPC

CCPC JOINS NATIONAL OBSERVANCE OF 2025 ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY

2025-12-09

 

CCPC joined the national commemoration of the 2025 Anti-Corruption Day.

The event, held under the theme “Uniting with the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” brought together various institutions and stakeholders.

The Republican President of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, graced the occasion as Guest of Honor. In his address, he emphasized the need for the nation to collectively condemn corruption and theft, and urged financial institutions to remain vigilant against suspicious transactional patterns to safeguard public resources.

CCPC Executive Director, Eunice Phiri Hamavhwa, attended the event in support of the government’s efforts to promote effective and corruption-free service delivery.

The CCPC Integrity Committee also participated, following a series of activities including exhibitions which were conducted earlier this week as part of the commemoration.

CCPC

CCPC IN COLLABORATION WITH SECTOR REGULATORS COMMEMORATES WORLD COMPETITION DAY

2025-12-08

Today, 5th December 2025, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) joins the global community and other Competition Authorities around the world in commemorating World Competition Day (WCD) under the theme “Artificial Intelligence (AI), Consumers and Competition Policy.”

This year’s theme focuses on the emerging and complicated risks associated with advancing technologies. AI is redesigning the methods of distributing goods and services and bringing new opportunities for consumers and businesses in Zambia. However, as AI becomes more powerful and common, it also creates new risks in how companies compete.

Simply put, Artificial intelligence is when computers are taught to think and make decisions like people. Key concerns arising from its use include market concentration in foundational AI models; algorithmic collusion and tacit coordination; abuse of dominance and ecosystem lock-ins. For example, algorithms may “quietly agree” on prices, or companies may use their dominant position to lock consumers into one ecosystem.

These risks can harm consumers in several ways: prices may go up in a coordinated way; companies may bundle products together, limiting choice; and AI may reduce market variety. Consumers may end up paying more, having fewer choices, and getting less value. Other concerns include privacy breaches, algorithmic bias, fraud, impersonation, and safety and reliability failures.

In short, while AI can make life better, it can also reduce consumer welfare if not properly regulated. These harms are typically addressed through a mix of consumer protection laws, sectoral regulations, and emerging AI-specific frameworks.

CCPC celebrates WCD together with sector regulators. CCPC and other regulators support and safeguard consumer welfare through complementary pieces of legislation.

As part of the commemoration, the Commission exhibited at Levy Junction Shopping Mall from Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 to Friday, 5th December 2025. The public was encouraged to visit the stands and interact with CCPC and other regulators.

Happy World Competition Day.                               

CCPC