Powering Malawi’s Growth: Harnessing Quality Standards for Business Excellence

Key Business Points

• Compliance with national standards is crucial for safeguarding public health and safety, driving industrial growth, and improving service delivery in Malawi.
• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly participating in the development of national standards, with the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) offering guidance and support for certification.
• Universities play a critical role in promoting standards through research, training, and participation in the standardisation process, complementing the work of MBS and supporting national compliance efforts.

Malawi’s business community recently came together to commemorate World Standards Day, with the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) urging industries and consumers to embrace a culture of quality and compliance with national standards. According to MBS director-general Bernard Thole, standards are essential for protecting consumers, enhancing trade, and improving the overall well-being of society. Thole noted that Malawi is making progress in the standardisation space, with increased participation from both the public and private sectors in the development of national standards.

One notable area of progress is the growing involvement of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in having their goods certified. The MBS is offering guidance through its Industrial Research and Training Unit to help SMEs integrate quality from the start. This support is crucial for SMEs, as it enables them to compete in the market and access new opportunities. As Thole emphasized, "We commemorate this day every year because standards play a critical role in protecting consumers, enhancing trade and improving the overall well-being of our society."

The importance of standardisation was also highlighted by Professor Kingsley Masamba, a professor of food science and technology at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Masamba, who was recognized by MBS for promoting standards, emphasized the critical role universities play in developing, reviewing, and promoting standards through research and training. He noted that universities complement the work of MBS by participating in the standardisation process and offering training that supports national compliance efforts. As Masamba said, "We are proud to be recognised. As universities, we complement MBS’ work by participating in the standardisation process and offering training that supports national compliance efforts."

The commemoration of World Standards Day serves as a reminder of the importance of standardisation in facilitating global trade and improving the overall quality of life in Malawi. As the country continues to make progress in the standardisation space, it is essential for businesses to prioritize compliance with national standards and take advantage of the support and guidance offered by MBS. By doing so, they can kuwongolera ubwino (improve quality) and increase their competitiveness in the market. With the right approach, Malawi’s businesses can kulimbikira msungalowo (reach new heights) and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.

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