Angola Strengthens Consumer Rights with UNCTAD Peer Review

Strategic Insights -

Angola has taken a significant step towards enhancing consumer protection by undergoing a voluntary peer review of its consumer protection law and policy, led by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and global partners. This milestone event, held during the 9th United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection on 8 July, marks Angola's commitment to building fairer, more inclusive markets and highlights the importance of international cooperation. The review drew on the expertise of government institutions and experts from Brazil, Portugal, and South Africa, who examined Angola's legal and institutional frameworks and offered actionable recommendations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Angola is the first Portuguese-speaking African country to undergo a voluntary peer review of consumer protection law and policy, showcasing its commitment to building fairer, more inclusive markets.
  • The peer review was led by UNCTAD and global partners, drawing on the experience of government institutions and experts from Brazil, Portugal, and South Africa.
  • The review recommended key legal and policy updates, including modernizing the current consumer protection law, strengthening consumer rights in essential public services, and enhancing transparency in contracts.
  • Recommendations also focused on upgrading the role of Angola's National Institute for Consumer Protection (INADEC), operationalizing the National Consumer Council, and supporting consumer organizations with funding and training.
  • The review called for long-term education strategies, including integrating consumer rights into school curricula and increasing outreach to vulnerable communities.

Statistics:

  • 36 million people live in Angola, a rapidly evolving economy.
  • 39% of the population has internet access, with varying services across 21 provinces and multiple languages.
  • 61% of recommendations from voluntary peer reviews are implemented within a few years, demonstrating a real shift in policy and enforcement capacities.
  • UNCTAD's peer review project has received support through a targeted technical cooperation project with funding from Portugal.

Sources:

  • "Angola undertakes first voluntary peer review of consumer protection framework." United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
  • United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. 2023. "Voluntary Peer Review: Strengthening Consumer Protection in Angola." (Note: This is an excerpt from the original text, as exact date is not provided.)