Raising Standards, Protecting Consumers

Cabinet pledges support to ZABS as Zambia increases SME participation and liberalizes its economy.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, 14 October 2025 – The Cabinet Office has pledged to provide robust policy and institutional support to the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) to help the institution meet rising demands for quality assurance and consumer protection amid Zambia’s growing economy.

Mr. Hilton Chibeleka, Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet, made the pledge during a tour of ZABS headquarters in Lusaka, where he engaged with officials on operational challenges and strategies to enhance regulatory oversight and coordination with other government institutions and the private sector.

“This engagement is not just a routine visit. We are here to understand your challenges and ensure that the Cabinet Office provides the necessary support to enhance your operations and the quality of products available to Zambians,” Mr. Chibeleka said.

He emphasized ZABS’s critical role in ensuring that both locally produced and imported products meet quality standards, particularly with the increasing participation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the liberalized economy. 

“It is essential that quality from such enterprises is not compromised, and that consumers have confidence in the products they purchase,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary commended ZABS for expanding testing capacity, upgrading laboratories, and improving compliance with regional and international standards, describing these achievements as a reflection of the professionalism and dedication of ZABS staff.

Mr. Chibeleka noted that the government seeks to instill a public service mindset focused on excellence, innovation, and accountability, encouraging ZABS to continue promoting these values at all operational levels. 

He stressed that collaboration between ZABS, other government agencies, and the private sector in performance management, digital transformation, innovation, and capacity building is crucial for sustaining quality, competitiveness, and public confidence.

Highlighting ZABS’s international engagements, Mr. Chibeleka noted the institution’s full membership in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and active participation in regional standards harmonization. 

He said Zambia’s representation in these forums ensures that national interests are considered and allows local producers access to broader export markets.

“The Cabinet Office sees ZABS as a key partner in implementing measures to strengthen coordination across government institutions, enhance consumer protection, and support SMEs in meeting international standards. Our goal is to ensure that standards are not just developed but fully implemented, enabling Zambian products to compete effectively both locally and internationally,” he said.

ZABS Executive Director Highlights Expanded Mandate and International Engagement

During the visit, Mr. Nathan Sing’ambwa, ZABS Executive Director, briefed officials on the bureau’s expanded mandate following a 2018 restructure, which consolidated functions such as testing, certification, technical training, industrial research, and laboratory services. Prior to the restructure, responsibilities were fragmented across multiple departments, limiting operational efficiency.

Mr. Sing’ambwa emphasized that ZABS now plays a pivotal role in preventing substandard products from entering the market and ensuring compliance with both national and international standards.

 He explained that standards are proposed, reviewed, and formally declared through ministerial instruments to protect consumers.

He also highlighted ZABS’s initiatives to support local industries and SMEs, including labeling and certification systems, technical and industrial training, and industrial management and quality assurance programs. These initiatives ensure that Zambian businesses comply with international standards and can compete effectively in regional and global markets.

The Executive Director stressed the importance of active government engagement in ISO and other international standard-setting bodies, noting that participation is critical for harmonizing standards, promoting exports, and safeguarding the interests of Zambian producers in global markets.

The visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting ZABS in fulfilling its mandate to promote standardization, quality assurance, and public safety, while driving industrial growth and economic development.