Raising the Bar

ZCSA Champions Trade Expansion in Solwezi with New Initiatives and Key Announcements

By Francis Maingaila

Solwezi, Zambia – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has unveiled several initiatives aimed at fostering local and regional trade through improved product standardization and quality assurance.

Gerald Chizinga, ZCSA Executive Director, highlighted that these efforts are expected to enhance the business environment in Solwezi and nearby districts, creating new opportunities for local producers and contributing to Zambia's broader economic development.

Mr. Chizinga made these comments during his visit to Solwezi Town Clerk Stanley Mbewe on Thursday, coinciding with the ongoing Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation project assessment and training.

He observed that agricultural cooperatives and SMEs in the region often face barriers to accessing wider markets due to a lack of certification from quality institutions.

“Solwezi and North-Western Province hold significant potential for growth in small and medium-scale agro-processing industries, such as peanut butter, maize meal, and edible oils,” Mr. Chizinga noted.

He appealed to the Solwezi Town Clerk’s office to assist in raising awareness about the importance of producing and consuming certified, safe products to protect public health.

Mr. Chizinga emphasized the agency's dedication to supporting SMEs and cooperatives, especially in the agricultural sector, a key driver of Zambia's economic growth.

He outlined plans to train over 40 agricultural cooperatives and SMEs in the region on meeting quality standards and obtaining certification.

"This training is part of a larger partnership formed in October 2024 between ZCSA, the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), the Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA), the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry (MCTI)," he said.

He further explained, "This collaboration aims to enhance both domestic and cross-border trade by implementing standardized trade facilitation tools and improving coordination in corridor development activities."

The initiative, set to launch in 2025, will span North-Western Province, including Solwezi, Mwinilunga, and Kabompo districts.

“We are committed to ensuring that local SMEs in agriculture, agro-processing, and other sectors can access broader markets by meeting essential standards and regulations,” Mr. Chizinga affirmed.

He also revealed that the $65,000 (K1,735,500) project seeks to stimulate trade among the Lobito Corridor states—Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.

The project will focus on harmonizing trade facilitation instruments and enabling SMEs to compete in regional and international markets.

Mr. Chizinga pointed out that many local producers face challenges in accessing markets due to a lack of certification.

He urged business owners in Solwezi to collaborate with ZCSA and utilize the training to ensure their products meet the required standards for local consumption and export.

“The capacity-building initiative will equip businesses with the tools to improve product quality, enhance consumer safety, and ultimately boost trade within the Lobito Corridor region,” he said.

In addition to these announcements, Mr. Chizinga stressed the importance for SMEs and cooperatives to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Lobito Corridor trade facilitation project.

He encouraged local businesses to ensure their products meet certification standards before entering both local and international markets.

He assured that ZCSA staff are conducting routine monitoring to ensure compliance with safety standards for both locally manufactured and imported goods.

“The capacity-building initiative will empower businesses to improve product quality, increase consumer safety, and ultimately boost trade within the Lobito Corridor region,” he reiterated.

The Executive Director urged the business community to engage with ZCSA early in their production processes to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards, facilitating access to local markets and expanding opportunities in international markets.

In response, Mbewe acknowledged the vital role played by ZCSA in ensuring the quality and safety of products, contributing to public health and economic development.

He expressed his commitment to supporting the agency's efforts within Solwezi.