The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) says it is poised to support the SheTrade initiative and other women who are in business to produce safe and quality standards.

ZCSA Spokesperson Lee Haamunji says the Agency will continue engaging women in business in equipping them with right information and capacity building for them to produce safe products in Zambia to move the economy.

“The Agency is particularly interested in the SheTrade Initiative and women in business and as such we will ensure that we make the necessary information on compulsory standards accessible to women in business so that they produce safe and quality products,” said Mr. Haamunji.

He says adhering to compulsory standards will enhance their productivity and at the same time aid them to produce competitive and safe products.

“Without doubt, women in business have the potential to produce competitive products which can not only be sold in Zambia but beyond the borders. Gone are the days when the manufacturing sector was dominated by men and the positive impact of women-led enterprises cannot be over emphasized,” he adds.

Mr. Haamunji has emphasized the need to support women-owned businesses because by doing this the nation will be increasing the economic stability of families and communities.

He discloses that currently, the Agency administers 60 compulsory standards and that this means that the Agency is able to regulate 60 products and women involved in producing products that fall within the compulsory category are expected to meet the requirements of such standards.

The SheTrades initiative aims to connect three million women to local, regional and international markets by 2021 and encourages stakeholders around the world to work together on seven action points to address trade barriers and create greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs.