Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
The Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have entered into a partnership to develop new food quality standards aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s food safety systems, improving market confidence and supporting resilient food systems.
The collaboration was announced on Wednesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, alongside the handover of laboratory equipment worth US$70 000 to SAZ.
Speaking at the ceremony, SAZ Director General Mr Cosmus Mukoyi said the partnership extends beyond the transfer of equipment, with the two organisations set to work together on developing standards that respond to emerging food quality and safety needs.
“I think there is a request that we have accepted from the World Food Programme that we are going to be working together to develop certain standards that are going to support these kinds of initiatives,” said Mr Mukoyi.
He said the collaboration aligns with SAZ’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and the WFP Zimbabwe Country Strategic Plan, both of which prioritise stronger food systems and enhanced quality assurance.
Mr Mukoyi said the partnership comes at a time when demand for accurate, timely and internationally credible laboratory testing services continues to increase.
“As the national standards body, SAZ has a mandate to facilitate the development and use of standards, provide testing and inspection services, support certification and contribute to safeguarding communities.
“The reliability of our laboratory infrastructure is therefore central to the confidence that consumers, regulators, producers, exporters and development partners place in our national quality system,” he said.
He added that resilient food systems depend not only on increased agricultural production but also on robust quality assurance mechanisms that protect consumers, facilitate trade and strengthen confidence across food value chains.
“A resilient food system requires more than production. It requires assurance that food products meet established quality and safety requirements. It requires testing systems that support evidence-based decisions, protect consumers, facilitate trade and strengthen confidence across value chains,” he said.
WFP Zimbabwe Representative and Country Director Ms Barbara Clemens said the organisation views the partnership as an important investment in Zimbabwe’s food systems.
She said stronger standards and laboratory capacity would improve food quality and safety while laying the foundation for broader collaboration between the two institutions.
“We will continue to work with SAZ to achieve that goal. We are delighted that SAZ chose to partner with the World Food Programme,” she said.
The two organisations also formalised the transfer of ownership of a microwave digestion system and a laboratory grinding mill valued at US$70 000.
The equipment is expected to enhance laboratory sample preparation for food, feed and environmental testing, while improving analysis of grain products for key quality parameters such as moisture, protein and fat content.
Officials said the strengthened collaboration will support manufacturers, farmers, food processors, exporters, regulators and consumers by improving the country’s standards development, food safety systems and quality assurance infrastructure.
Colletta Dube