When the ESCC's Consumer Protection Officer, Simanga Kunene, boarded a flight to Mauritius earlier this March, she carried more than her luggage—she carried Eswatini’s voice to a vital regional conversation on consumer rights and protection. Representing the ESCC, Kunene joined delegates from 20 other COMESA member states at the COMESA Consumer Protection Committee Working Group and Annual Conference, held in the vibrant city of St. Louis from 13–15 March 2025.
The conference marked a significant milestone: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection in Mauritius and the COMESA Competition Commission, forging new partnerships in regional cooperation.
“It was more than just a meeting; it was a convergence of ideas, passion, and purpose around protecting the most powerful economic unit—the consumer,” said Kunene.
This year’s theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”, guided a series of robust panel discussions that tackled everything from climate-conscious consumerism to the urgent need for cross-border policy alignment.
A focal point of the conference was the COMESA Consumer Protection Model Law, a regional framework that promises to harmonize consumer protection laws across the Common Market. The law advocates for:
• Greater collaboration between national and regional enforcement bodies,
• A shared front in tackling cross-border unfair trade practices, and
• The development of a robust online curriculum for building capacity in consumer advocacy.
“We are not just shaping laws; we’re shaping the future of consumption in Africa—one where the consumer is informed, empowered, and protected,” Kunene reflected.
The discussions also emphasized a key reality: consumers are not just passive players in the economy—they are its lifeblood. From driving global trade to shaping competitive markets, their role cannot be overstated.
“Fair markets are only possible when consumers can demand more—better quality, fair prices, and innovative services. It’s up to us to ensure they have the tools and protection to do so,” Kunene added.
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