Industry Ministry Charts New Path for Quality Policy Beyond 2025
n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n Gweru – The Ministry of Industry and Commerce convened a high-level stakeholder consultation workshop in Gweru on Friday, November 28, to review the Zimbabwe National Quality Policy (NQP) as it approaches the end
anostrofy By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru – The Ministry of Industry and Commerce convened a high-level stakeholder consultation workshop in Gweru on Friday, November 28, to review the Zimbabwe National Quality Policy (NQP) as it approaches the end of its current cycle in 2025.
The meeting, attended by government officials, industry leaders and stakeholders, marked a vital step toward shaping the new Zimbabwe National Quality Policy for 2026–2030.
Speaking at the workshop, The Ministry of Industry and Commerce Director, Chaka Gudyanga (picutred) stressed the importance of embedding a culture of quality across all sectors of society.
He noted that the expiration of the current policy necessitates a comprehensive review to address gaps, incorporate lessons learned from the 2021–2025 implementation period, and align Zimbabwe’s framework with the Africa Quality Policy, national development goals, and international best practices.
Gudyanga explained that the review was crucial for addressing shortcomings in the current policy and for aligning Zimbabwe’s framework with continental and international standards.
“The NQP is expiring at the end of 2025, necessitating a comprehensive stakeholder consultation to address the gaps identified in the current policy, incorporate lessons learned from the 2021–2025 implementation experience, and align the policy with the Africa Quality Policy and national development goals,” he noted.
He said the new policy must respond to technological advancements and establish a robust implementation matrix.
"We stand at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the National Quality Infrastructure, which aims to establish and implement a framework of standardization, conformity assessment, metrology and accreditation to enhance competitiveness, facilitate global trade, and ensure the quality, safety and environmental soundness of goods and services within the economy,” Gudyanga said.
Applauding the presence of diverse stakeholders, he added, “Your presence here signifies your commitment and willingness to shape the future of our quality programs within the aspiration of Vision 2030. We value your insights, expertise, and the diverse perspectives each of you brings to the table.”
The Gweru consultation is part of a nationwide process that will inform the drafting of the new policy, expected to be launched in 2026.
Addressing stakeholders at the same consultative workshop, Midlands Trade Measures Inspector Talkmore Marimo highlighted that the Quality Assurance and Trade Measures Department plays a central role in promoting standards and safeguarding the integrity of measurements used in commerce and industry.
He said the importance of quality assurance and legal metrology in protecting consumers should ensure fair trade and strengthening Zimbabwe’s competitiveness.
“Quality assurance is about building trust in our markets and ensuring that goods and services meet the required standards,” Marimo told delegates.
He explained that the department is mandated to promote the development and implementation of quality policies, facilitate mandatory standards, and support the accreditation of testing, calibration, inspection and certification facilities.
Marimo warned that inaccurate measurements can have serious consequences.
“In many cases, a measurement is done to obtain information upon which a decision is made. Wrong or inaccurate measurements can lead to poor decisions that could cost a lot of money or even lives,” he said.
He emphasized that metrology, the science of measurement, is fundamental to trade, industry, public health and environmental protection.
He further highlighted the role of legal metrology, which is subject to regulatory control, in ensuring fairness in commercial transactions and safety in industrial and public health measurements.
“Legal metrology applies across various fields of human activity, from commercial transactions to industrial measurements, public health, and environmental protection,” Marimo noted.
The inspector reminded stakeholders that the department operates under the Trade Measures Act, Chapter 14:23, which provides for the usage of legal units of measurement, technical regulations on measuring instruments, and the metrological control of pre packed consumer goods.
“The Act empowers us to verify instruments used in trade and manufacturing, regulate the manufacture and sale of measuring instruments, and prosecute offenders where necessary,” he said.
