CUTS Stories

Lusaka, Zambia 5th February 2025 – The Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) is concerned over the challenges faced by consumers under ZESCO’s net metering policy, which allows households and businesses to supply excess solar energy back to the grid in exchange for credits. While the initiative aims to promote renewable energy and ease pressure […]

Lusaka, 31st January 2025 – The Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) has commended the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for its decisive action in seizing 1,000 bags of Eagle mealie meal from traders attempting to inflate prices illegally. This intervention, prompted by a public tip-off, sends a strong message against exploitative practices in Zambia’s staple

On 5th December, 2024, CUTS joined the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in commemorating the World Competition Day 2024 under the theme: “Competition Policy and Inequality.” Competition policy promotes fair market practices, prevents monopolies, and protects consumers by enforcing laws against price fixing, market sharing, and abuse of dominance. It also regulates mergers to

Farmers and marketeers are pivotal in ensuring the safety and quality of fruits and vegetables in the food value chain. Their combined efforts in cultivation, handling, transportation, storage, and sales directly influence the safety of produce reaching consumers. Farmers are at the foundation of the food safety value chain, as their practices during cultivation and

Black Friday, known for its deep discounts, can lead consumers in Zambia to overspend, especially when retailers market these deals as one-time opportunities. Many shoppers may be tempted to purchase products they don’t need or can’t afford, believing they are saving money in the long run. In some cases, consumers may turn to credit facilities

Zambia’s food systems present a challenging paradox. Despite abundant natural resources, including arable land, water, and diverse food options, the country struggles with food insecurity and malnutrition. Ranked in the “severe hunger” category by the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Zambia faces a malnutrition crisis where 35% of children under five are stunted, 28% of children

Consumers of aviation services in Africa often lack protection against poor service delivery and are largely unaware of their rights. Even when they are aware, they frequently face institutional limitations, such as inadequate enforcement or access to information. In response to this, a one-week regional training was held in Kampala, Uganda in August to support

Zambia’s agricultural sector holds immense potential, but local products face significant challenges in accessing export markets, particularly in South Africa and the European Union. Key obstacles include inconsistent production practices, lack of harmonized standards, and limited market access. To address these challenges, Solidaridad, in collaboration with the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), is developing the

Food safety is a cornerstone of public health and economic development, especially in Zambia, where agriculture plays a vital role in the lives of millions. In particular, the fruits and vegetables sector, with its extensive supply chains, faces unique challenges in ensuring food safety from farm to fork. As these products move through production, transport,

Nachipoma Ward in Mazabuka town is infamous for one thing: Kachasu, a potent, illicit home-brewed alcohol. In the small community of Kaleya, almost every household produces this high-proof drink, relying on it as a primary source of income. Both men and women are involved in this trade, which has become a lifeline, helping families afford