The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has recognized the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) for its pivotal role in supporting the private sector and contributing significantly to the national treasury. Permanent Secretary responsible for Commerce and Trade, Lillian S. Bwalya, praised the Agency for ensuring that products and services meet compulsory standards for safety, quality, and reliability. She made these remarks during a familiarization visit to the ZCSA Head Office in Lusaka on March 11, 2026. According to Mrs. Bwalya, ZCSA not only strengthens private sector confidence but also aligns with the Government’s broader agenda to promote sustainable economic growth and compliance with international trade practices. The visit underscored the Ministry’s commitment to advancing institutional mandates that enhance Zambia’s economic landscape.
Mrs. Bwalya highlighted the importance of increasing ZCSA staffing levels at border points to support the Government’s plans for a 24-hour economy. She indicated that the Ministry, through Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga, would engage the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to secure additional Treasury support for deployment of officers at key border posts. The 24-hour economy initiative, championed by President Hakainde Hichilema, aims to increase productivity, expand job opportunities, and modernize Zambia’s economic operations. Its framework includes continuous commercial services, improved cross-border trade efficiency, and leveraging digital technology to facilitate seamless business transactions. Mrs. Bwalya emphasized that institutional support is critical to ensuring that ZCSA can fully contribute to the success of this nationwide economic transformation.
ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga identified challenges that the Agency faces in fulfilling its mandate, particularly inadequate testing facilities for imported and locally manufactured products. He noted that while the number of products covered by compulsory standards has grown from 60 in 2018 to 102 in 2026, some items cannot be tested locally due to capacity constraints. Mr. Chizinga called for enhanced support to upgrade testing capabilities, which would ensure that all products meet rigorous safety and quality standards. He stressed that ZCSA-certified products are not only reliable in the domestic market but also meet standards acceptable in regional and international markets. By improving testing infrastructure, the Agency can safeguard consumer confidence and support the expansion of Zambian products abroad.
Mr. Chizinga further highlighted ZCSA’s potential to surpass its Non-Tax Revenue targets, projecting collections of K840 million in 2026 and a possible increase to K1 billion in 2027, provided adequate funding and resources are made available. He also requested assistance from the Ministry to facilitate the issuance of a Statutory Instrument for implementing distinctive marks, enabling consumers to easily identify products that comply with compulsory standards. These measures are expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote fair trade practices, and enhance consumer protection. The collaboration between the Ministry and ZCSA is central to achieving these outcomes while supporting the Government’s economic objectives.
The visit by Permanent Secretary Lillian S. Bwalya reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of ZCSA’s critical role in promoting private sector growth, ensuring product safety, and contributing to national revenue. Strengthening the Agency through additional staffing, upgraded testing facilities, and legal instruments will enable it to meet rising standards and support Zambia’s transition to a 24-hour economy. With coordinated efforts between the Ministry, ZCSA, and other stakeholders, the Agency is well-positioned to drive compliance, boost consumer confidence, and facilitate economic modernization that aligns with global trade practices. The Government’s support for these initiatives underscores its commitment to sustainable development and competitive private sector growth.