The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has urged businesses in the country to make it a priority to invest in quality systems if they are to excel beyond the local market. ZABS Acting Director Technical Services Belinda Kancheya says businesses in Zambia have the capacity to make meaningful contribution within and beyond the region as long as they invest in quality systems that enhance the competitiveness of products and services. She was speaking shortly after the announcement of the SADC Quality Awards competition winners in which Trade Kings Zambia Limited was awarded SADC Product of the Year, Davis and Shirtliff as first runners up under the SADC Service of the Year category and Dangote Cement, who were awarded a certificate of recognition under SADC Exporter of the Year category.

“As ZABS and also as a country, we are delighted with the outcome of the 2021 edition of the SADC Quality Awards in which 3 Zambian companies have been recognized in different categories for implementing local and international standards within their sectors. This is a clear demonstration of continuous improvement and the desire to offer quality products and services being exhibited by the 3 companies. This SADC Regional competition is one way of evaluating businesses and measuring them against international best practices and it is gratifying to note that for the award recipients, their efforts in implementing standards and quality systems are yielding results. We would like to encourage the private sector, Government agencies and various other stakeholders to participate in the development of standards and go a step further by implementing standards and quality systems as this will create trade opportunities for us as a country”

Meanwhile Davis & Shirtliff Managing Director Jonathan Mainga said being recognized for the SADC Service of the Year award is a validation of the work that the company has put in over the years as they seek to live their quality values.

The Zambia Bureau of Standards in partnership with the Zambia Association of Manufacturers host the National Quality Awards each year. The awards are sponsored with the support of the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project who for the last 5 years have contributed extensively to this activity.

The SADC Quality Awards are held every year and are preceded by the National Quality Awards which are conducted by SADC Member States in their respective countries. Zambia has participated in the SADC Quality Awards competition since 2015 and recorded success in the years 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022.