Zimbabwean manufacturers should prioritise high-quality standards to grow exports and increase confidence in locally produced goods in regional and international markets, the Standard Association of Zimbabwe has said.
SAZ warned that poor product quality has resulted in the rejection of some goods in export markets, including in certain neighbouring countries.
This comes as Zimbabwe is targeting an increase in manufactured exports under the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (ZNIDP) II industrialisation drive.
Authorities are aiming to grow manufactured export earnings from about US$400 million to US$1 billion.
SAZ said achieving this target would largely depend on improving the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
Addressing guests at a consultative workshop on the local content strategy, ZNIDP II and Consumer Protection Policy, SAZ director-general Mr Cosmas Mukoyi said quality assurance remains one of the key elements needed for Zimbabwean products to penetrate and sustain export markets.
He said the standards body continues to receive reports of goods being rejected in some export markets after failing to meet required standards.
“Before you take your products out of the country, if you are not sure, consult SAZ and let us have a conversation. We have been receiving and we continue to receive reports of products from Zimbabwe that are being rejected even from some of our neighbouring countries because of quality issues,” said Mr Mukoyi.
He said SAZ is ready to work with exporters, positioning itself as an inquiry and advisory point for manufacturers seeking guidance on compliance with regional and international standards.
“So we want to work closely with all the exporters to say we are an inquiry point as the SAZ,” he said.
He added that improving the quality of goods and services would help exporters gain access to foreign markets and enhance the country’s reputation as a reliable source of manufactured products.
Product quality and certification are increasingly becoming critical in export trade, particularly under regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where competition among manufacturers across the continent is intensifying.
AfCFTA is a landmark agreement creating the world’s largest free trade area by uniting 55 African union economies into a single market for goods and services, aimed at boosting intra-African trade, reducing tariffs by 90 percent, and fostering economic integration for 1.3 billion people.
The push for higher standards also comes as Zimbabwe seeks to expand its industrial base and boost value-added exports in line with broader economic transformation objectives.
Manufacturers have in recent years faced challenges including high production costs, obsolete machinery, foreign currency shortages and inconsistent power supplies, factors which have at times affected product consistency and competitiveness.
However, strengthening adherence to standards and improving product certification processes could help local companies unlock new export opportunities and improve foreign currency generation.
Over the years, SAZ has worked with the industry to promote conformity assessment, certification, and quality management systems aimed at improving the competitiveness of Zimbabwean products on both domestic and export markets.
The Government recently introduced ZNIDP, Consumer Protection Policy and the Local Content Strategy to strengthen the country’s industrial base and improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
The policy measures are aimed at enhancing domestic manufacturing and production capacity, reducing reliance on imports and promoting value addition across key sectors of the economy.
Authorities believe the frameworks will help create a more supportive operating environment for local industries by encouraging the uptake of Zimbabwean products, improving consumer confidence and promoting adherence to quality standards.
Under the industrialisation drive, the Government seeks to position local manufacturers to take advantage of regional and continental export opportunities, particularly under the AfCFTA, stimulate employment creation and foreign currency generation through increased industrial output and exports.-heradl
