Online Reporter
Zimbabwe joined the global community in commemorating World Standards Day, with various stakeholders acknowledging the government’s efforts to enhance standards during a ceremony in Harare yesterday.
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “A Shared Vision for a Better World,” focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), which emphasizes fostering innovation, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) to strengthen their collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu stated: “Today, we gather to celebrate World Standards Day under the theme: A Shared Vision for a Better World. This theme aligns perfectly with our mission as a Ministry, which is to facilitate and promote the development of sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and competitive industrial and commercial enterprises that are integrated regionally and globally to enhance economic prosperity. It also aligns with our National Development Strategy.”
“We extend our gratitude to our experts, both national and international, for their tireless efforts in developing national and international standards,” he added.
Minister Ndlovu noted that this year’s theme reflects the unity of people working together to achieve Vision 2030. “The theme underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in developing and implementing standards that drive progress and improve quality towards establishing an upper middle-class economy by 2030.”
“Standards are the backbone of our industry, ensuring that we meet the highest levels of quality, safety, and efficiency, especially as we create a single and unified market under the African 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,” he said.
He emphasized that his Ministry is committed to raising awareness about the importance of standards across various industrial and commercial sectors. “Looking ahead, our focus will be on strengthening our national quality infrastructure by prioritizing the implementation of compulsory standards as outlined in the Country’s National Quality Policy. This will help curb the influx of counterfeit and substandard products in the market. 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.”
Minister Ndlovu urged all stakeholders, from industry leaders to consumers, to embrace the principles of standardization. “We must align national policies and strategies with international best practices to drive sustainable development.”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between SAZ and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe aimed to improve Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting through the support of Management System Standards. This collaboration represents a significant step forward for the nation.
Speaking at the event, ISO Secretary General Mr. Sergio Mujica urged all countries to unite in pursuing a common vision. “It is our responsibility to collaborate on national standards and address global challenges,” he stated.
Following the MOU signing, the Minister awarded Mr. William Gobogobo as the Best Technical Committee Member of the Year for his outstanding contributions to SAZ’s national standardization efforts.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu spoke during the World Standards Day event under the theme “A Shared Vision for a Better World,” focusing on SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The Standard Association of Zimbabwe and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding today in Harare.
