
The protection of consumer rights in Cape Verde is an area of growing importance, reflecting the evolution of consumer relations and the need to guarantee a fair balance between consumers and suppliers. Cape Verde's legal framework seeks to ensure that consumers have access to safe, quality products and services, as well as promoting transparency and fairness in commercial practices.
In Cape Verde, consumer protection legislation is mainly governed by the Consumer Defence Codewhich establishes the basic rights of consumers, such as the law[4] to information, safety, choice and reparation of damages. This code is an essential instrument for consumer protection, providing a set of rules that regulate consumer relations and establish conflict resolution mechanisms.
What's more, the Agency for the Regulation and Supervision of Pharmaceutical and Food Products (ARFA) plays a crucial role in supervising and regulating products on the market, ensuring that safety and quality standards are met. ARFA is responsible for monitoring compliance with standards and regulations[3]It also ensures that consumers are protected against misleading practices and harmful products.
Consumer protection in Cape Verde is also influenced by regional and international initiatives aimed at harmonising consumer practices and strengthening cooperation between countries. Adherence to international conventions and agreements reflects the country's commitment to aligning its consumer policies with global standards.
This report aims to explore in detail the state[5] consumer protection in Cape Verde, analysing the legislation in force, the institutions involved and the challenges faced in the effective implementation of consumer rights.
The research report on the Consumer law[1] in Cape Verde highlighted several crucial aspects of current legislation and its practical application. Firstly, it was identified that Cape Verdean consumer protection legislation is in line with the fundamental principles of consumer protection, as established by international organisations such as the UN. However, the implementation and enforcement of these laws still face significant challenges due to resource limitations and insufficient public awareness.
Among the most important findings was the urgent need to strengthen the institutional structures responsible for consumer protection, such as the Agency for the Regulation and Supervision of Pharmaceutical and Food Products (ARFA) and the General Inspection of Economic Activities (IGAE). In addition, the research revealed that many consumers in Cape Verde are not fully aware of their rights, which limits their ability to effectively claim them. Therefore, education and awareness campaigns are essential to empower consumers and promote a fairer and more balanced market.
The implications of these findings suggest that improving consumer protection in Cape Verde requires a joint effort between the government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. The implementation of ongoing training programmes for enforcement agents and the creation of digital platforms for complaints and conflict resolution could be important steps in this direction. In addition, the periodic revision of consumer protection laws to adapt them to the new realities of the digital market can ensure that consumer rights are effectively protected.