By Edwin Mauluka
The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has acquired state-of-the-art laboratory equipment aimed at improving export testing and certification systems as the country pushes to expand exports and increase foreign exchange earnings.
MBS Director General Symon Mandala said the equipment, valued at more than US$1 million, will allow Malawi to produce internationally recognised test results, reducing the need for costly double testing abroad.
Mandala said the new technology is expected to lower operational costs, shorten waiting times for results and improve the competitiveness of Malawian products on international markets.
“Products tested in Malawi will now adhere to the same standards as those in countries like the UK, while also allowing the nation to save and generate foreign exchange,” he said.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Blantyre, British Deputy High Commissioner to Malawi Ben Nicholson said Malawi’s economic growth depends on strengthening export capacity through internationally trusted quality standards.
Nicholson said recognised certification systems for high-value crops such as macadamia nuts would help build confidence in Malawian products and boost exports.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Tourism Wiskes Nkombezi welcomed the investment, saying it would strengthen testing services and support the expansion of Malawi’s export market.
“We are pleased with this investment as it will fortify testing services and contribute to the expansion of Malawi’s export market,” said Nkombezi.
Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) president Ronald Ngwira and TradeMark Africa chief executive David Beer also backed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards improving the country’s trade competitiveness.
MBS is currently rolling out the ISO/IEC 17065 product certification scheme, which seeks to align Malawi’s certification systems with international standards and improve acceptance of local products on global markets.
Mandala said the certification programme is expected to reduce the rejection of Malawian exports by ensuring locally produced goods consistently meet global quality, safety and consumer trust requirements.
He said the bureau is strengthening certification systems as local manufacturers seek to expand beyond the domestic market into regional and international trade.
“The standard is actually addressing issues of certifying institutions like ourselves, and we are focusing much on new value chains. For example, now we are talking of macadamia as a new value chain, including sesame,” said Mandala.
He noted that Malawi is exporting increasing volumes of sesame to Japan after addressing previous quality concerns.
“There was a time when 70% of our consignments were returned to Malawi because of quality issues. But now that has been addressed. All that is under the ISO/IEC 17065,” he said.
