Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu has highlighted the critical role of standards in fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens therefore archiving Zimbabwe’s Vision of becoming an upper middle class economy by 2030
In his remarks today at the World Standards Day commemoration held at Golden Conifer in Harare, the Minister noted the significant strides made by his ministry in collaboration with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and other relevant institutions to raise awareness of the importance of standards across various industrial and commercial sectors.
“Our focus will be on strengthening our national quality infrastructure,” he stated, underscoring the implementation of compulsory standards as outlined in the country’s National Quality Policy.
The Minister stressed that these efforts are essential in curbing the influx of counterfeit and substandard products that threaten consumer safety and market integrity.
“By adhering to international standards, we can build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable industrial sector that drives economic growth,” he added.
He called upon all stakeholders from industry leaders to consumers to embrace the principles of standardization.
“The need to invest in infrastructure, technology, and innovation to drive growth and create employment opportunities cannot be overemphasized,” he asserted.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the necessity of aligning national policies and strategies with international best practices to facilitate sustainable development.
“Together, we can ensure that our industries not only meet local demands but also compete on a global scale,” he concluded, urging collective action towards a standards-driven future.
The event underscored the ongoing commitment of the Zimbabwean government to enhance quality standards as a pathway to economic resilience and improved living conditions for its citizens.