Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is bidding for a seat on the International Organisation for Standardisation Council during elections scheduled for November 1 in Paris, France, alongside several other aspiring countries.
The Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) general manager, Mr Cosmus Mukoyi, is leading the country’s delegation at the elections.
Zimbabwe’s election to the ISO Council would place the country at the highest governance level of the organisation, which is responsible for guiding its strategic direction, policies, finances and overall management.
Membership of the ISO Council would provide Zimbabwe with a direct voice in shaping the future of international standardisation and ensuring that the perspectives of the country and other developing economies are reflected in global decisions.
“For Zimbabwe, it would represent international recognition of the country’s growing contribution to standardisation and quality infrastructure, as reflected by SAZ’s approved candidature for the 2026 elections.
“Standards increasingly determine access to global markets, competitiveness, product safety, sustainability and technological innovation. A seat on the Council would enhance Zimbabwe’s ability to contribute to discussions that influence global standards policies affecting trade, conformity assessment, digital transformation, sustainability and the participation of developing countries,” said Mr Mukoyi.
Securing a seat would strengthen Zimbabwe’s credibility as a country committed to quality, good governance and international best practice.
“This can support industrialisation, attract investment, improve export competitiveness and reinforce confidence in Zimbabwean products and services in international markets.”
Mr Mukoyi said Zimbabwean businesses and consumers would benefit from improved access to information on emerging international standards and market requirements if the bid is successful.
He said other benefits include stronger national engagement in standards affecting exports and industrial competitiveness, as well as enhanced visibility for Zimbabwe within global quality and standards networks.
Mr Mukoyi said the bid would also create greater opportunities for Zimbabwean experts to participate in international technical work.
“For consumers, the benefits include stronger consumer protection through better alignment with international best practice, improved product safety and quality, and increased availability of goods and services that meet internationally recognised standards.”
Mr Mukoyi said Council membership would also provide Zimbabwe with a stronger platform to advocate issues affecting developing economies and resource-based industries.
He said that, through enhanced visibility, relationships and influence within ISO governance structures, Zimbabwe would be better positioned to promote the participation of local experts in technical committees dealing with mining, agriculture, food safety, manufacturing, environmental management, digital technologies and sustainability.
“This is particularly important given Zimbabwe’s strategic focus on value addition, export growth, food security, infrastructure development and industrialisation under Vision 2030.
“Greater participation would help ensure that future international standards take into account the realities and priorities of African economies and emerging markets,” he said.
Mr Mukoyi said SAZ has issued more than 26 000 standard certificates to various entities across the country.
