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The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has called for stronger enforcement of quality standards to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and support increased investment in value addition across the manufacturing sector.
ZAM is also urging greater adoption of proudly Zambian products in both public and private procurement, along with enhanced support to manufacturing SMEs through technology upgrades, standards compliance, and access to affordable finance.
Speaking at the launch of the 5th Edition of the Proudly Zambian Campaign on Friday, ZAM Vice President – South, Fronscen Haloba, said Zambia was well positioned to become a competitive regional production hub with consistent collaboration among government, industry and consumers.
Haloba stressed that building a strong manufacturing base was a shared responsibility among stakeholders, beginning with government and the industry players who form the backbone of the economy.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Chipoka Mulenga, revealed that the Proudly Zambian Campaign had grown to 158 members, with 635 certified high-quality products now bearing the logo—up from only 47 companies and 157 products in 2021.
“This progress can be seen as you walk down the aisle in various supermarkets or as you shop at your local convenient stores. Our manufacturers are increasingly taking up shelf space in major retail chains” he highlighted.
Mulenga said the growth reflected not only the expansion of the manufacturing sector but also a national shift in mindset and rising consumer confidence in local products. He urged ZAM to safeguard the integrity of the brand, warning that unlawful use of the Proudly Zambian logo by uncertified businesses risks diluting its value.
“We therefore call upon all stakeholders to uphold the standards that give the logo its value and encourage those that wish to join the campaign to come forward and apply to legally use the logo on quality goods and services,” Mulenga stated.
ZAM Chief Executive Officer, Lindunda Muntanga, also appealed to Zambians to prioritise local products and support domestic manufacturers.
“Every time we buy Zambian, we support jobs, strengthen our currency, build our industries, and expand our economic independence,” Muntanga said.
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