….Emphasizing Standardization and Innovation for Sustainable Development
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Zimbabwe joined the global community in commemorating World Standards Day, with a call to prioritize standardization and innovation to drive sustainable development. The theme, “A Shared Vision for a Better World,” focused on Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), highlighting infrastructure, industrialization, and innovation.
Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Ndhlovu stressed the importance of international standards in fostering innovation, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, aligning with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“Standards are a backbone of our industry, ensuring we meet the highest levels of quality, safety and efficiency, especially now as we create a single and unified market under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. As we strive for a better Zimbabwe, a better Africa and a better world, we recognize the critical role standards play in achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” Ndhlovu said.
The event was attended by Egyptian ambassador to Zimbabwe Salwa Mowafi and International Organization of Standardization (ISO) secretary general Sergio Mujica, whose organization’s president-elect is Dr. Khaled Soufi from Egypt, set to serve from 2026 to 2028.
Ndhlovu also highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to curbing counterfeit and substandard products by strengthening national quality infrastructure. “By adhering to international standards, we can build a resilient, inclusive and sustainable industrial sector that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for all our citizens,” he said.
The commemoration witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and the Institute of Chartered Accountancy Zimbabwe (ICAZ) to improve environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting through the support of management system standards.
