CFTC registers 194 cases relating to unfair trading practices between January-March 2025

CFTC PRO Innocent Helema 

* The most common violation is alleged excessive pricing with 48 complaints, seconded by excluding liability with 27 complaints

* The increase in the number of cases is an indication that the public trusts the CFTC and that their understanding of competition and consumer protection is improving

By Duncan Mlanjira

Following public awareness for people to report on unfair trade practices, the Competition & Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has registered 194 cases relating to unfair trading practices between January-March 2025 — compared to 23 complaints in the same period in 2023/24.

This was disclosed by CFTC public relations officer, Innocent Helema in an interview, adding that in this quarter of the year “the most common violation is alleged excessive pricing with 48 complaints, seconded by excluding liability with 27 complaints”.

Helema said CFTC believes that the increase in the number of cases is an indication that “the public trusts the Commission and that their understanding of competition and consumer protection is improving”.

“We also believe that our consistent sensitisation messages — targeting enhancing consumer rights and obligations — is bearing fruits,” said Helema.

Last month, during the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day, CFTC Chief Executive Officer, Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma said “consumers face numerous challenges in the market [and] it is vital that they understand their rights and responsibilities so they can protect themselves from common malpractices”.

The World Consumer Rights Day falls on March 15 and this year’s theme was; ‘A just transition to sustainable lifestyles’ — but Malawi did not celebrate it on that particular day while CFTC coined its own theme; ‘Fairness in Pricing for a Sustainable Future’.

CFTC’s theme was motivated by an increase in the number of complaints due to escalation of prices of goods and services, and on the global celebration day, and Nkhoma said the Commission registered “a substantial number of complaints in the current year bordering on suspicions of excessive and exploitative pricing of products and services”.

“The CFTC is mindful that fair pricing plays a crucial role in establishing trust and fostering long-term relationships between businesses and customers besides safeguarding the economic interests of consumers. 

“Unfair pricing practices can, therefore, have far-reaching negative consequences on the livelihood of consumers through, among others, exacerbating poverty and inequality.”

Attending the event was Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Board member, Stella Tchuthi, who impressed on the public that consumer education is a key tool in tackling service-related challenges.

She joined the calls on consumers to be aware of their rights and take responsibility in protecting themselves, especially in the digital space, saying: “Consumers must be well-informed about their rights and they should know that they have the power to act, especially when facing issues such as injuries, or service challenges.

“They can contact us through our toll-free number 261, so that MACRA can engage the relevant service providers,” said Tchuthi, who also noted progress in addressing mobile money fraud, attributing it to coordinated efforts with the Malawi Prison Services, mobile service providers and the Malawi Defence Force.—Content from Mchinji event reported by Malawi News Agency (MANA)