New deal sets stage for smoother Zambia–South Africa trade

The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) have signed an implementation agreement aimed at strengthening regional trade and deepening cooperation under their existing memorandum of understanding.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lusaka on Monday, ZABS Executive Director, Nathan Sing’ambwa, said the agreement marks a shift from policy commitments to concrete action, with a focus on using standards as practical tools to facilitate trade, support industrial development and protect consumers.

Sing’ambwa explained that standardisation plays a key role in removing technical barriers to trade by providing a common framework that builds trust among trading partners and allows goods to move more efficiently across borders.
“Closer collaboration between ZABS and SABS will help local industries meet internationally recognised standards, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in both regional and global markets,” he said.

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According to Sing’ambwa, the partnership would also strengthen consumer confidence through improved product safety and quality assurance.

Meanwhile, SABS Chief Operating Officer, Thabo Stephen Sepuru, observed that intra-African trade remained relatively low, underscoring the need for stronger regional integration.

“Harmonising standards and strengthening cooperation in areas such as testing, certification and capacity building would ease market access for products from Zambia and South Africa,” he said.

He added that the agreement was expected to particularly benefit small and medium enterprises by lowering compliance costs and improving export readiness.

The agreement is viewed as an important step in supporting regional value chains and advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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