Abstract:
This dissertation explores the legal framework for consumer protection against unfair
competition practices in Rwanda, focusing on the challenges, limitations, and potential
reforms needed to strengthen the existing laws, regulations, and institutional arrangements.
The study employs a combination of doctrinal analysis, comparative research, and qualitative
methods to examine the current state of consumer protection in Rwanda and identify areas for
improvement.
The research begins by establishing the conceptual and theoretical framework for
understanding consumer rights and unfair competition, drawing on key legal and economic
principles. It then provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing legal framework in
Rwanda, including the Competition and Consumer Protection Law of 2012 and other relevant
sector-specific regulations. The study identifies significant Loopholes and Unclear in the
current legal provisions, such as the lack of a clear definition of unfair competition and the
absence of specific prohibitions on certain unfair practices.
The dissertation also examines the practical challenges faced by regulatory authorities in
enforcing consumer protection laws, including resource constraints, coordination issues, and
weak enforcement powers. Through a comparative analysis of regional and international best
practices, the study identifies potential lessons and recommendations for strengthening the
institutional capacity and effectiveness of consumer protection agencies in Rwanda.
Based on the findings, the dissertation proposes a range of legal and institutional reforms to
address the identified challenges and enhance consumer protection against unfair
competition. These include amending the Competition Law to provide clearer and more
comprehensive prohibitions on unfair practices, enacting a unified Consumer Protection Law,
establishing specialized consumer protection units within regulatory agencies, and investing
in capacity-building and coordination mechanisms.
The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of a holistic and proactive approach to
consumer protection reform in Rwanda, involving collaboration among policymakers,
regulators, businesses, and consumer advocates. By prioritizing consumer welfare and fair
competition as key pillars of economic development, Rwanda can foster a more inclusive,
competitive, and consumer-friendly market environment
