Malawi on Tuesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Standards Day, with Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) urging industries and consumers to embrace a culture of quality and compliance with national standards.
Speaking during the commemorations in Blantyre, MBS director-general Bernard Thole said standards are crucial in safeguarding public health and safety as well as driving industrial growth and service delivery.
“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,” he said.
Thole said Malawi is making progress in the standardisation space, with increased participation from both the public and private sectors in the development of national standards.
He said one notable area of progress is the growing involvement of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to have their goods certified.
“We are offering guidance through our specialised Industrial Research and Training Unit to help SMEs integrate quality from the start,” said Thole.
During the event, MBS recognised Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources professor of food science and technology Kingsley Masamba for promoting standards.
In an interview, he emphasised the critical role universities play in developing, reviewing and promoting standards through research and training.
“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,” he said.
World Standard Day, which is commemorated every year on October 14, serves to raise awareness about the importance of standardisation in facilitating global trade.
