Matabeleland entrepreneur sets global standard with ISO certification

A Bulawayo-based entrepreneur has placed Matabeleland on the global map after her cosmetics manufacturing company, The Organic Biochemist, attained the internationally recognised ISO 22716:2007 certification.

The certification, which focuses on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in the cosmetics industry, is a rare achievement among small-scale manufacturers in Zimbabwe and signals a major step forward for the country’s beauty and personal care sector.

Founded by Bulawayo based biotechnologist Ms Wyonna-Jean Britten, The Organic Biochemist has grown into a pioneering enterprise specialising in organic and natural bath, skincare and haircare products.

Its natural haircare brand, Kink.ed, has gained traction locally as a proudly Zimbabwean solution tailored for textured and Afro-centric hair.

The ISO 22716 certification confirms that the company’s entire manufacturing process — from formulation and production to packaging, storage and distribution — meets strict international standards for quality, safety and consistency.

Speaking on the milestone, Ms Britten said the journey to certification required significant transformation within the company.

“This achievement has been the result of an intense and demanding process of rebuilding our systems, strengthening our documentation and upgrading our facility to meet global standards,” she said.

She said the certification demonstrates that African businesses can compete at the highest level when supported by strong systems and processes.

“I have always believed that African brands hold a unique advantage through our rich and diverse natural resources. What we have often lacked are the systems to transform these resources into globally competitive products,” she said.

“This certification shows that we can set the standard, raise the bar for our country and continent, and compete at the highest level.”

The development comes at a time when the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is opening new avenues for intra-African trade and industrial growth. With internationally recognised standards now in place, The Organic Biochemist is well positioned to expand into regional markets.

Ms Britten acknowledged the role played by trade development organisations, including ZimTrade and the International Trade Centre (ITC), through the SheTrades initiative, which supported the company’s participation in the ISO certification programme.

“These programmes are critical in helping small businesses transition from informal and domestic operations into structured, competitive enterprises that can access regional and international markets,” she said.

The company is also contributing to inclusive development by sourcing ingredients locally and working with smallholder producers and women-led cooperatives, strengthening value chains within the community.

The milestone is seen as a significant achievement not only for the company but also for Matabeleland and Zimbabwe at large, highlighting the potential of locally built enterprises to meet global standards and compete on the international stage.