SMEs to be trained in product standardisation

Over 40 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives in the agricultural sector are set to benefit from a product standardisation training project that will help them access local, regional, and foreign markets.

This has been achieved through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with National Quality Institutions to enhance domestic and cross-border trade for SMEs. The organisations include the Zambian Bureau of Standards (ZBS), the Zambian Meteorology Agency (ZMA), the Zambian Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCA) and the Consumer Competition Protection Commission (CCPC).

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya says the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project is currently supported by the African Development Bank and is valued at over 8.1 million United States Dollars.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Ms Bwalya said the project aims to strengthen the coordination of joint corridor development activities and foster the effective participation of SMEs in value chains. “This project adds to important work that has already been done to help [SMEs] increase the standardisation and quality of their products,” Ms Bwalya added.

The ZMA said they were ready and on hand to support the SMEs throughout the project, which began in 2018.