Zambia Reaffirms Support for Accreditation Services to Boost SMEs and Economic Growth
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has reiterated the Zambian government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening accreditation services across the country, a move seen as pivotal in empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and stimulating national economic growth.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Accreditation Day 2025, held under the theme “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”, Permanent Secretary for Investments and Industrialization, Mr. Crusivia Hichikumba, reaffirmed government’s resolve to enhance the quality infrastructure system by establishing a national accreditation body.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr. Brian Moonga, the Ministry’s Director of Technical Regulations, Mr. Hichikumba noted that the Zambia Accreditation Agency Bill is in its final stages and will soon be tabled before Parliament. Once enacted, the law will pave the way for the formation of a national agency to oversee accreditation services and reduce dependence on foreign systems.
“Accreditation is not just a technical issue—it is a catalyst for economic growth. It empowers SMEs by improving their credibility, ensuring quality, and opening access to international markets,” said Mr. Hichikumba.
He urged laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection institutions to take full advantage of existing services offered through the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), facilitated by the National Accreditation Focal Point within the Ministry.
Highlighting the broader economic impact, Mr. Hichikumba emphasized that accreditation contributes to trade facilitation, consumer protection, and public safety, while eliminating technical barriers to trade.
“Through credible accreditation, we ensure the competence and impartiality of conformity assessment bodies—critical to Zambia’s competitiveness in regional and global markets,” he said.
The Ministry assured stakeholders of its continued support in fostering an ecosystem where accredited services thrive, ultimately bolstering investor confidence, industrialization, and sustainable national development.
World Accreditation Day is marked annually on June 9 to recognize the importance of accreditation in improving quality and fostering trust in products and services worldwide.
