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 food market.
While the official price for a 25kg bag of roller meal is set at K190 and K230 for breakfast meal, some traders have been charging between K250 and K305 per bag. Such price hikes disproportionately affect low-income households, where mealie meal is a primary food source, underscoring the urgent need for robust consumer protection measures. While the government’s commitment to fair pricing is evident, the situation highlights deeper supply and distribution challenges.
A major factor driving these exploitative practices is the inconsistent supply of mealie meal, leading to scarcity in certain areas. Limited availability enables unscrupulous traders to exploit desperate consumers, especially in regions with weak regulatory oversight. This results in inflated prices, worsening food insecurity and eroding trust in market systems. Addressing supply chain vulnerabilities is essential to prevent traders from exploiting market fluctuations and weak enforcement mechanisms.
A multi-pronged approach is necessary to combat this issue effectively. Strengthening regulatory oversight through regular market inspections and stricter penalties for price violations will help deter unethical behavior and reinforce consumer confidence in government protections.
CUTS recognizes that community involvement is also crucial for consumer protection. Educating consumers about their rights and encouraging them to report price violations can foster a culture of accountability. Establishing whistleblowing systems, supported by the government and civil society organizations, would empower citizens to combat exploitation. Public awareness campaigns on pricing policies and fair trade practices would further ensure that traders are held accountable by the communities they serve.
Law enforcement agencies must play a proactive role in reviewing and enforcing price control mechanisms to balance consumer protection with the economic viability of traders.
The seizure of 1,000 bags of Eagle mealie meal by ZNS underscores the importance of swift action against consumer exploitation. By preventing illegal price hikes, ZNS has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public and ensuring equitable access to essential commodities. However, continued efforts including stricter monitoring, stronger stakeholder collaboration, and public vigilance are crucial to preventing future instances of price manipulation and hoarding.
This article is written by Victor Sikombe, CUTS Consumer Welfare Officer
Email: vis@cuts.org