By Patience Gondo
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has convened a stakeholder consultation workshop in Beitbridge to kick-start the review of the National Quality Policy (NQP), with officials confirming that the current framework, which has guided national quality infrastructure development since 2021, expires at the end of 2025.
Representing Permanent Secretary Dr Thomas Wushe, senior ministry official Rihanna Chibada on Friday , said the Beitbridge consultation marked a crucial step in gathering public and industry input for the development of the Zimbabwe National Quality Policy (2026–2030).
She said the review process seeks to address gaps identified during the implementation of the 2021–2025 policy and to ensure the next policy cycle is stronger, more inclusive and aligned with national and regional ambitions.
Chibada reminded delegates that the outgoing NQP was approved by Cabinet in July 2021 as the country’s first comprehensive instrument to steer national quality infrastructure (NQI) reforms.
Its objectives include enhancing coordination among quality infrastructure and technical regulatory institutions, ensuring goods and services meet local, regional and international standards, strengthening human resources in standardisation and conformity assessment and deepening a culture of quality among producers and consumers.
She said the expiry of the policy next year necessitates broad stakeholder engagement to incorporate lessons learned from its implementation, align Zimbabwe’s quality systems with the Africa Quality Policy, integrate relevant international best practices, l and respond to technological advancements that are reshaping quality assurance and regulatory frameworks globally.
The ministry is also seeking views on developing a more robust implementation matrix with clear targets, responsibilities and monitoring mechanisms.
Chibada said hosting the workshop in Beitbridge was strategic, given the town’s role as a major trade gateway where quality, safety and compliance issues frequently intersect with commercial activity.
She said the presence of government officials, national quality institutions, captains of industry and community representatives demonstrated shared commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s quality infrastructure.
“Your contributions are vital as we shape the 2026–2030 National Quality Policy. We urge you to speak freely and share your experiences so that together we build a comprehensive and future-fit quality framework,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s quality infrastructure which includes standardisation, metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment underpins industrial competitiveness, consumer protection and export readiness.
The country has in recent years invested in strengthening institutions such as the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), the Zimbabwe Accreditation Service (ZIMAS), and related regulatory agencies to ensure alignment with global benchmarks.
The ministry will continue conducting similar consultations across the country as it works towards producing a draft NQP (2026–2030) for Cabinet consideration in 2025.