Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT is finalising a new “Zimbabwe National Quality Policy Framework” to build on gains from the first policy, which expired in 2025 while also pursuing ISO 9115 certification to lead by example in quality management, Industry and Commerce Minister, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.
Speaking at the Standardisation and Business Leaders Conference in Victoria Falls on Thursday, Minister Ndlovu said the new framework will transform the national quality infrastructure.
The conference was held under the theme: “Driving National Competitiveness and Industrial Development Through Collective Action and Quality Infrastructure”.
“We are honoured by your presence, which reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening quality infrastructure, industrial transformation and regional integration,” he said.
“Zimbabwe deeply values its strategic partnerships with global and regional standardisation bodies. These collaborations are critical in advancing quality goods and services, promoting sustainability and fostering innovation to support inclusive socioeconomic development,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said the conference has evolved into a pivotal forum for intellectual discourse with the chosen theme underscoring the imperative of collective action.
“It stimulates Government, industry, civil society, and academia to work in tandem, embracing a shared vision of inclusive prosperity with the goal of propelling our nation towards an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030, where no individual or community is left behind.”
Minister Ndlovu revealed that extensive stakeholder consultations and collaboration with the African Union Commission have shaped the new policy framework, which covers standardisation, metrology, conformity assessment, accreditation, technical regulations and quality awareness.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is in the final stages of developing a new Zimbabwe National Quality Policy Framework, which is aimed at consolidating the gains achieved under the first National Quality Policy, which expired in 2025,” he said.
He said the next phase of reform calls for collective commitment from public and private sectors.
The Government is also advancing efforts to establish a national accreditation board, which will initially collaborate with the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service before moving towards full national capacity.
He further announced that the ministry is in the final stages of attaining ISO 9115 quality management certification.
“This milestone is of great significance and reflects our commitment as custodians of the national quality infrastructure to lead by example in the adoption and implementation of quality management systems and standards.
“We are working diligently to ensure that before the end of this year, the ministry achieves full certification. This will position us as a benchmark institution, one that exemplifies best practice in quality management for both industry and the public sector,” he said.
The conference will also feature the inaugural Standard Research Symposium, hosted with the University of Zimbabwe, the University of Technology, and Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences — a partnership the Minister said signifies Zimbabwe’s progression towards a knowledge-driven policy system.
Minister Ndlovu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to introducing compulsory standards for critical products through the Standards Bill, and to addressing supply-side constraints such as infrastructure deficits and high production costs.
“The development of standards, certification processes, and quality assurance mechanisms all serve one central purpose, to improve the quality of life of our citizens while safeguarding our environment,” he said.
“Let’s, therefore, strengthen collaboration, embrace innovation, and commit to building a globally competitive, resilient, and quality-driven economy.”
