Government Reiterates Commitment to Accreditation Services

The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing accreditation services to laboratories operating in Zambia.

Permanent Secretary for Investments and Industrialization, Mr. Crusivia Hichikumba, emphasized this during the 2025 World Accreditation Day commemoration, themed “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”.

Mr. Hichikumba highlighted that accreditation plays a vital role in empowering SMEs, which are crucial for economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation. He noted that Zambia is establishing its own accreditation body, with the Zambia Accreditation Agency Bill undergoing finalization before submission to Parliament.

The Permanent Secretary encouraged stakeholders to utilize the accreditation services provided by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) through the National Accreditation Focal Point in the Ministry. He emphasized that accreditation facilitates trade, contributes to economic growth, and helps governments safeguard the public.

Mr. Hichikumba said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Ministry Director in charge of Technical Regulations, Mr. Brian Moonga.

Accreditation ensures the integrity, impartiality, and competence of testing laboratories, calibration laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection bodies. Through eliminating technical barriers to trade, accreditation supports the freedom of world trade and promotes economic growth.

The Ministry remains committed to supporting the accreditation needs of laboratories and other conformity assessment bodies in Zambia, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic development and growth.