ZAMBIA BOLSTERS TRADE COMPETITIVENESS



AfDB and ARSO-backed laboratory equipment handed to ZABS to strengthen product testing, reduce trade barriers and accelerate regional integration along the Lobito Corridor.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka,  Zambia24  -- (July 21 , 2026) – Zambia has strengthened its trade competitiveness after the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) received new laboratory equipment to improve product testing, certification and quality assurance services.

According to a joint statement issued by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer Ms. Everness Nankala and Zambia Bureau of Standards Senior Communications Officer Mr. Lupiya Mazunda, the equipment was procured under the US$8.1 million Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project with financial support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and donated by the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).

The equipment was officially handed over on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry in Lusaka. Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialisation Mr. Crusivia C. Hichikumba, represented by Director of Technical Regulation Mr. Brian Moonga, officiated at the event.

Mr. Hichikumba described the equipment as a strategic investment that will strengthen Zambia's quality infrastructure and improve laboratory testing services.

He said the investment will increase the efficiency, accuracy and reliability of conformity assessment services, making it easier for Zambian products to compete in regional and international markets.

"The equipment under the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project and the ARSO PROFishBlue Programme is a strategic investment in Zambia's quality infrastructure. It will enhance laboratory testing and improve the efficiency and reliability of conformity assessment services," Mr. Hichikumba said in remarks delivered on his behalf by Mr. Moonga.

Mr. Hichikumba said the equipment will benefit key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and fisheries by helping producers meet regional and international quality standards.

He added that improved testing capacity will reduce technical barriers to trade while supporting Zambia's commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He said the investment will also contribute to industrialisation, economic growth and job creation.

ZABS Executive Director Mr. Nathan Sing'ambwa said the equipment will significantly strengthen the Bureau's Testing Laboratories Unit.

Mr. Sing'ambwa said the new equipment will improve the accuracy, reliability and efficiency of laboratory testing services offered to industry, regulators, exporters and consumers.

"The equipment will enable us to improve the accuracy, reliability and efficiency of laboratory testing services provided to industry, regulators, exporters and consumers. It will also help to reduce turnaround times, expand testing capacity, and support the maintenance of internationally accredited laboratory services," he said.

Mr. Sing'ambwa said some of the equipment will be installed in laboratories located in strategic areas, including North-Western Province, to bring testing services closer to industries and businesses operating along the Lobito Corridor.

He added that the investment will also strengthen testing of fish and fish products, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards required for both domestic and export markets.

African Development Bank Transport Engineer Mr. Daniel Isooba said the handover marked another milestone in the Bank's long-standing partnership with the Government of Zambia.

Mr. Isooba said the equipment will strengthen ZABS' capacity to provide internationally recognised testing, certification and quality assurance services, helping exporters comply with international sanitary and technical standards.

"This investment will help producers comply with the sanitary and technical standards required by export markets," Mr. Isooba said.

He also disclosed that the AfDB has approved a separate US$250 million Lobito Integrated Economic Corridor Development Project to support railway and road infrastructure linking Zambia to Angola.

The Lobito Corridor connects Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia through the Port of Lobito to the Copperbelt region. The latest investment is expected to strengthen Zambia's quality infrastructure, improve regional trade and position the country as a more competitive participant in the AfCFTA.

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