Zambia standards agency steps up support for women-led businesses

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) says it is promoting a fair and competitive environment to help women-led businesses produce safe, high-quality products capable of competing locally and internationally.

The agency said the initiative formed part of its broader commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs through the promotion and enforcement of compulsory standards that strengthen their business operations.

ZCSA Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, said the agency’s mandate went beyond protecting consumers, noting that it contributed to national development goals by unlocking the potential of women in entrepreneurship.

Chizinga urged staff to continue offering strong support to women-led businesses in their day-to-day work.

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He made the remarks in Lusaka on Sunday as part of his message marking International Women’s Day.

Chizinga said ZCSA was encouraged by the growing number of female employees, with women now represented across all levels of the institution.

“As of December 2025, ZCSA had 45 female employees, representing 32 percent of the total staff complement,” he said.

He commended female staff for their contribution to the agency’s achievements and their role in safeguarding public health and safety.

Chizinga also pledged to increase the number of women across different levels within the agency and to create an environment that enabled them to thrive.

“It is therefore my call to all of us to support this initiative by mentoring and supporting women. For this reason, ZCSA management does not hesitate to engage females under the internship programme,” he said.

He further reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in all its operations.

Meanwhile, ZCSA Senior Inspector in the Import Quality Monitoring Department, Cleopatra Kaunda, thanked management for recognising the critical role women play in the institution.

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