ZCSA Urges SMEs to Meet Standards to Access Wider Markets
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has called on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to comply with compulsory standards to improve their competitiveness and access to higher-value markets.
Speaking at the Access Bank SME Business Masterclass in Lusaka, ZCSA Regional Manager Elias Kansembe said adherence to mandatory technical requirements enables businesses to penetrate local, regional and international markets more easily.
Mr Kansembe noted that implementing standards not only enhances product quality but also improves productivity and profitability, while helping businesses develop customer-focused products and services.
“Products that meet required standards can easily access lucrative markets, while also protecting consumers from potentially harmful goods,” he said.
He added that ZCSA plays a critical role in ensuring that locally manufactured products meet both domestic and international technical requirements, while also safeguarding them from unfair competition posed by substandard imports.
“To manufacturers, ZCSA aims to ensure that your raw materials and final products are fit for use. This helps reduce losses, improve efficiency and guarantee market acceptance,” he said.
The presentation, delivered under the theme “Product quality and standards: strengthening SME competitiveness and market access,” formed part of the broader Masterclass themed “From small to strong: accelerating sustainable SME growth through business linkages and access to finance.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Subeta Mutelo, emphasised that SMEs require more than just financing to succeed.
“Businesses need information, skills, enabling conditions and strong connections to thrive,” she said, adding that government will continue to implement policies and platforms that support enterprise growth and capacity building.
Also speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Zambia, Iheanyi Nwogu, encouraged SMEs to apply the knowledge gained from the Masterclass to strengthen their operations.
Dr Nwogu reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting SME growth through financing, partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms.
ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, is mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act to administer and enforce standards aimed at ensuring public safety, health, consumer protection and environmental sustainability.
The Agency says enhancing SME compliance remains a key priority in driving growth, improving product quality and positioning Zambian businesses competitively in global markets.
