Award Winners
Recognition photography gives the awards programme a premium and legitimate public identity.
ZAQA 2026
Institutional Excellence
Zambia National Quality Awards
The 11th Zambia National Quality Awards and Business Forum 2026 - Celebrating Excellence in Quality
11th Annual Edition
Celebrating Excellence in Quality Management
The premier national recognition programme celebrating organisations and individuals that demonstrate exceptional commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in Zambia.
11
Annual Editions
Since 2014
50+
Award Recipients
To date
100+
Applications
Annual average
95%
Participant Satisfaction
2024 survey
Awards Showcase
Recognition that looks as strong as the programme.
The awards page benefits from real ceremony photography because it signals prestige, professionalism, and public credibility.
Ceremony in Motion
Stage photography communicates scale, prestige, and the ceremonial character of the programme.
About the Awards
Zambia's Premier Quality Recognition Programme
The Zambia National Quality Awards (ZAQA) is an annual programme administered by the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) to recognise organisations that have achieved excellence in quality management and business performance. The programme is based on the internationally acclaimed Business Excellence Model.
Programme Objectives
- Recognise excellence in quality management
- Promote best practices across Zambian industry
- Encourage continuous improvement
- Provide benchmarking opportunities
- Enhance national competitiveness
Assessment Model
Based on the internationally acclaimed Business Excellence Model, adapted for the Zambian context. The assessment framework evaluates seven key criteria:
LeadershipStrategyCustomer FocusMeasurement & Analysis+3 more
Award Categories
Recognition for Every Sector
Four distinct categories celebrating excellence across different sectors and scales of operation
Large Business Category
For organisations with 100 or more employees. Recognises excellence in quality management, customer focus, leadership, and business results.
Prize:Trophy + Certificate + Marketing Package
Assessment Criteria
Leadership and CommitmentStrategic PlanningCustomer FocusMeasurement, Analysis & ImprovementWorkforce EngagementOperations ManagementBusiness Results
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Category
For organisations with fewer than 100 employees. Tailored assessment criteria recognising quality achievements relative to business size.
Prize:Trophy + Certificate + Development Support
Assessment Criteria
Management CommitmentCustomer SatisfactionQuality ProcessesEmployee InvolvementContinuous ImprovementBusiness Performance
Public Service Category
For government ministries, departments, and agencies committed to improving service delivery and operational excellence.
Prize:Trophy + Certificate + Recognition Plaque
Assessment Criteria
Service DeliveryLeadershipStakeholder FocusResource ManagementService ResultsImpact on Society
Quality Champion Award
An individual recognition award for outstanding contributions to the promotion and advancement of quality in Zambia.
Prize:Medal + Certificate + Cash Prize
Assessment Criteria
Personal contribution to qualityLeadership in quality promotionAdvocacy and awareness creationMentorship and trainingInnovation in quality management
Why Participate
Benefits of Participating
Participation in the ZAQA process delivers tangible value to your organisation, even if you do not win. The self-assessment and external review provide invaluable insights for continuous improvement.
- National recognition and prestigious award trophy
- Use of the ZAQA Quality Award logo on marketing materials
- Feature in ZABS publications and media coverage
- Networking opportunities with quality leaders
- Access to benchmarking information and best practices
- Employee morale boost and stakeholder confidence
100+
Organisations
Assessed annually
50+
Trained Assessors
Expert panel
K500K+
Prize Value
Cash and in-kind
15+
Industry Sectors
Represented
How to Apply
Application Process
Six simple steps to participate in the Zambia National Quality Awards
01
Application
Submit your completed application form along with supporting documentation and the application fee.
Week 1-2
02
Self-Assessment
Complete a comprehensive self-assessment questionnaire covering all assessment criteria.
Week 3-4
03
Document Review
ZAQA assessors review submitted documentation and score the application.
Week 5-6
04
Site Visit
Shortlisted applicants receive an on-site assessment by a team of trained ZAQA assessors.
Week 7-9
05
Consensus Meeting
Assessors hold a consensus meeting to finalise scores and recommendations.
Week 10
06
Awards Ceremony
Winners are announced and presented with their awards at the Annual Business Forum.
September
Assessment Framework
Judging Criteria
Rigorous evaluation based on the Business Excellence Model
Leadership
15%Demonstrated commitment to quality from top management
Strategy
10%Strategic planning and deployment of quality initiatives
Customer Focus
15%Understanding and meeting customer needs and expectations
Measurement & Analysis
15%Data-driven decision making and performance measurement
Workforce Engagement
10%Employee involvement in quality improvement
Operations
15%Process management and operational efficiency
Results
20%Business outcomes and quality achievements
Hall of Fame
Recent Winners
2024
ZS
Zambia Sugar Plc
Large Business
Exceptional implementation of quality management systems and sustainable practices.
2024
MM
Mpongwe Milling
SME Category
Outstanding quality improvements and community impact.
2024
ZR
Zambia Revenue Authority
Public Service
Transformative service delivery improvements and digital innovation.
2024
DC
Dr. Catherine Mwila
Quality Champion
Lifetime achievement in quality promotion across Zambia.
2023
CC
Chilanga Cement
Large Business
Excellence in environmental management and product quality.
2023
BF
Bio Food Products
SME Category
Innovation in food safety and quality assurance.
2023
NH
National Health Insurance
Public Service
Outstanding customer service and process improvement.
Important Dates
Key Dates - ZAQA 2026
Mark your calendar for these important milestones
February 2026
Applications Open
30 April 2026
Application Deadline
May - June 2026
Document Review
July 2026
Site Assessments
August 2026
Consensus Meetings
September 2026
Awards Ceremony & Business Forum
Ready to Apply?
Ready to Be Recognised?
Contact the ZABS Quality Awards Secretariat to receive the 2026 application pack, guidelines, and fee schedule.