Businesses urged to uphold quality to boost global competitiveness
THE Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, has called on businesses to prioritise quality and excellence to curb the influx of substandard and counterfeit products in Zimbabwe’s markets.
Speaking at the recent National Annual Quality Awards hosted by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), Dr Wushe said maintaining high-quality standards is essential for Zimbabwean products to thrive in regional and global markets, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The AfCFTA, a cornerstone of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, aims to enhance regional production and export capacity, opening up vast opportunities for businesses across the continent.
Dr Wushe highlighted the pivotal role quality plays in the competitive global market.
Dr Thomas Utete Wushe
“Quality is a continuous journey that requires collective effort from all sectors, which include Government, industry and the community. It distinguishes products and services, making them competitive on the international stage,” he said.
Dr Wushe commended the dedication of Zimbabwean companies to quality, innovation and sustainability, noting that their efforts go beyond enhancing individual brands to significantly contributing to national economic growth and global competitiveness.
He said aligning with international standards positions local businesses for growth and attracts investment from forward-thinking, sustainability-driven companies.
Businesses are increasingly leveraging innovation and technology to improve quality standards, further boosting their standing in international markets.
As part of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has intensified efforts to promote standardisation as a tool for sustainable economic growth.
Dr Wushe cited the success of the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme, launched in 2015, which has seen Zimbabwe reject 155 million units of substandard products by February this year.
The CBCA programme has played a critical role in reducing the influx of hazardous and suboptimal products, ensuring consumer safety and strengthening Zimbabwe’s export potential.
The National Annual Quality Awards recognised organisations excelling in continuous quality improvement.
The event underscored the collaborative effort required across Government, industry and communities to uphold and improve quality standards.
Experts believe that with enhanced export capabilities and a focus on consumer safety, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to grow its international trade footprint.
-chronicle
