CAMA

03/04/2026

PUNITIVE INSURANCE COVER PAYMENTS

Insurance in Malawi remains out of reach for many and requiring upfront annual payments is making it even harder for ordinary Malawians to access essential cover for their lives and assets.

Most people only purchase insurance when it is mandatory such as third party motor cover and instead of building demand these rigid payment structures are discouraging participation and limiting growth in the sector.

In many countries, people are allowed to pay for insurance monthly making it more affordable and accessible.

We therefore call on insurance providers to introduce flexible payment options that allow more Malawians to benefit from insurance services.

Insurance should be accessible to all not just a few.

03/04/2026

FAIR PRICING FOLLOWING FUEL PRICE INCREASE

Malawians have woken up to yet another fuel price increase driven largely by global factors and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

While we understand the impact on businesses we urge traders especially transporters not to exploit the situation by pushing prices beyond reasonable levels. Both consumers and businesses are affected and fairness is key during this time.

We also call on fuel importers to ensure consistent supply to avoid shortages, long queues and black market prices.

Let’s work together to ensure fair pricing and fuel availability for all Malawians.

15/03/2026

COMMEMORATION OF WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY 2026

THEME: Safe Products, Confident Consumers

As the world commemorates World Consumer Rights Day on 15 March, the Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) joins the global Consumer Movement in calling for stronger protection of Consumer Rights and improved quality of goods and services. This year’s theme SAFE PRODUCTS, CONFIDENT CONSUMERS highlights the importance of ensuring that Consumers have access to safe, reliable and highquality products and services.

Consumers continue to face serious challenges due to the influx of counterfeit, expired and substandard products in all markets across the country and these include food items, electrical appliances, cosmetics, medicines and solar products to mention a few. The presence of such products not only undermines consumer confidence but also poses serious economic risks, consumers health and safety risks.

Despite the presence of Regulatory Institutions such as the Malawi Bureau of Standards, Pesticides Control Board, Competition and Fair Trading Commission and Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority there is lack of market inspection and monitoring on the market which continues to put the lives of Consumers at risk. Consumers also continue experiencing poor quality of service delivery in many public delivery institutions particularly such as public hospitals, Water Boards and Poor Road Maintenance.

Consumer confidence regarding quality products and services has reduced to its lowest since most of those institutions charged with providing oversight and supervision have neglected their responsibilities. These challenges undermine the right of Consumers to access safe, quality and dignified care services such as Health Water and Food which are a critical public service and Consumers deserve dignified and respectful treatment.

CAMA is therefore calling for the following;
1. Strengthened market monitoring and inspection and ensure substandard products are removed from the market

2. Strong and enforceable standards are enacted and enforced

3. Public Regulatory Authorities must begin to perform the functions they were established for

4. Improved coordination among Regulatory Agencies and border authorities to prevent the entry of unsafe goods

5. Stronger enforcement and penalties against fraudulent traders and suppliers dealing in fake or substandard products.

6. Improved service delivery in public institutions particularly Hospitals, Water and Electricity Boards.

7. Increased Consumer Awareness to empower consumers to demand better quality services.

08/03/2026

With Self Help Africa – I just got recognised as one of their top fans!

08/03/2026

19/01/2026

We are working in Dedza District at Liphuphwe Primary School in T/A Kasumbu to strengthen school nutrition clubs by promoting nutrition, food fortification and biofortification awareness. Through these clubs, we are instilling a culture of informed food choices and healthy consumption among learners to improve their overall wellbeing. Self Help Africa

14/03/2025

PRESS RELEASE

WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY

Theme: Demanding a Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles in Malawi.

The Global Consumer Movement marks 15th March with World Consumer Rights Day every year, as a means to raise awareness about Consumer Rights and the challenges that Consumers face. The day is also commemorated to allow Consumers demand for decent, quality goods and services at affordable prices and at the same time hold torchbearers accountable when such rights are abused. As the world commemorates World Consumer Rights Day, Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) joins Consumers globally in calling for a just transition to sustainable lifestyles. This year’s theme resonates deeply in Malawi, where Consumers face significant challenges in accessing affordable, sustainable and safe products.

In Malawi, the rising costs of living, coupled with limited buying power, have left Consumers vulnerable to exploitation. The lack of effective Consumer protection mechanisms exacerbates these issues, making it difficult for Consumers to make informed choices and demand sustainable practices. The market is flooded with substandard products, putting Consumers' health and safety at risk. The lack of effective monitoring and inspection mechanisms exacerbates this issue, making it challenging for Consumers to make informed choices.

As we advocate for a just transition to sustainable lifestyles, we recognize the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by Malawian consumers. We demand:
1. Strengthen Product Safety Regulations: Develop and enforce robust regulations to ensure that all products sold in Malawi meet minimum safety standards.

2. Improve Monitoring and Inspection Mechanisms: Enhance the capacity of regulatory agencies to monitor and inspect products, and ensure that substandard products are removed from the market.

3. Increase Transparency and Accountability: Require manufacturers and suppliers to provide clear labelling and information about products, and hold them accountable for any harm caused by substandard products

4. Affordable Access to Sustainable Goods and Services: Businesses must prioritize affordability and sustainability in their products and services.

5. Effective Consumer Protection Mechanisms: The Government must strengthen Consumer Protection Laws and enforcement to safeguard consumers’ rights.

6. Education and Awareness: Consumers must be empowered with knowledge and skills to make informed choices about sustainable lifestyles.

7. Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Policies: The Government must prioritize policies that promote sustainable development, social justice, and consumer welfare.

As we commemorate World Consumer Rights Day, we urge policymakers, businesses, and Consumers to work together towards a just transition to sustainable lifestyles and safe products, it is only through collective action that we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all Malawians. Together, we can build a better future for consumers in Malawi.

07/03/2025

PRESS RELEASE

MOBILE NETWORK OPERATORS MUST INVEST IN MODERN TECHNOLOGIES TO END NETWORK CHALLENGES

Consumers continue to experience frustrating network drop offs and poor networking services by the Mobile Network Operators (MNO’s) especially Airtel, and we are calling on Mobile Network Operators to take immediate action to upgrade their outdated infrastructure. The current state of mobile network services is unacceptable, with frequent call drop offs, slow data speeds, and lack of transparency when issues arise. This is not only inconvenient but also affects businesses, education, healthcare and other essential services that rely on reliable mobile connectivity.

We urge Mobile Network Operators to invest in modern technologies in order to provide Consumers with the quality of service they deserve. It is imperative that operators prioritize infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing demands of mobile users. Furthermore, we question the lack of clear and timely communication from Mobile Network Operators when issues occur. Consumers have the right to know when there are problems and what is being done to resolve them.

Therefore, we call on Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to hold Mobile Network Operators accountable for their poor services and lack of transparency. It is time for operators to take responsibility for providing reliable, modern, and customer-centric services.

We demand that Mobile Network Operators:
1. Airtel should provide a detailed explanation as to why its customers are experiencing poor network connectivity in the country.
2. Invest in modern technologies to upgrade their infrastructure.
3. Provide clear and timely communication to Consumers when issues arise.
4. Prioritize customer satisfaction and service quality.

We urge Consumers to join us in demanding better services from Mobile Network Operators. Together, we can push for improved connectivity and transparency.

01/03/2025

From December, 2024 to February, 2025 we have noted a huge price increase on various commodities including maize.

Below are the price changes between December, 2024 to February, 2025.

21/01/2025

Bungwe la Malawi Bureau of Standards(MBS) lapeza kuti ma sitolo ena m’mziko muno akugulitsa zinthu makamaka zakudya zoonongeka komanso pa malo osasamalika, ndipo ma sitolo ena atsekedwa ndi bungweli kamba ka m’chitidwe umenewu.

Choncho tikuchenjeza a Malawi kuti tizionetsetsa mosamala tikamagula katundu ma sitolo makamaka zakudya ngati zili zosaonongeka komanso ukhondo m’malo ogulitsila katunduyu makamaka zakudya.

Tiyeni tiziteteze tokha ngati anthu ogula pomwe taona cholakwika pa malonda ponena ndi kudziwitsa adindo kuti achitepo kanthu.

20/01/2025

Unlicensed illegal Pesticide business has become one of the fastest growing businesses conducted in all markets throughout the country done visibly while the Authorities are failing to provide enforcement. The influx of unregistered pesticides sold by unlicensed traders are posing serious health dangers to Consumers.

Please provide a safe environment for Consumers!