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Sikhulekelani Moyo, mskhulekelani16@gmail.com
INDUSTRY and Commerce Minister, Mangaliso Ndlovu has commended the positive impact of the Standards Development Fund (SDF) in enhancing the competitiveness of local industries and increasing their viability in both local and global markets.
In his remarks at the SDF five-day annual workshop underway in Nyanga, he expressed Government commitment to ensure that the SDF continues to play a critical role in promoting economic growth and development.
The SDF was established through the Standards Development Fund Act (Chapter 14:19) and is mandated to collect a levy of 0,5 percent on employers’ wage bills, which is then distributed to beneficiaries developing, promoting, and standardising commodities and services.
Beneficiaries of the fund are the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), Southern African Development Community Accreditation Services (SADCAS), the National Metrology Institute (NMI), which is under the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), National Competitiveness Commission (NCC), and the Trade Measures Department (TMD).
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) will also be a beneficiary starting next year.
“As we gather here today, I want to emphasise the significance of the SDF in enhancing the competitiveness of our local industries,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“By promoting standardisation and quality control, we can increase the viability of our products and services in the global market.
“I’m excited to report that SDF has achieved notable milestones, including surpassing revenue collection targets, completing 98 percent of the 160KVA solar project, and disbursing grants to beneficiaries aligned with Vision 2030.”
Minister Ndlovu said the national priorities for 2025 include increasing revenue collection capacity strengthening, full grant disbursements, and raising awareness.
He said the market is being flooded by sub-standard goods in terms of quality and quantity hence the SDF has to play a leading role in financing CPC, Trade Measures, and SAZ to curb such malpractice.
“For the economy to grow all of us here have to play our part. We have to use the funds transparently as they are public funds so that we build confidence,” Ndlovu said.
“I am aware that during the year, currency volatility made it difficult to procure capital equipment and other tools of trade. Suppliers have been requesting payment in hard currency.
“My ministry engaged the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion for treasury concurrence to allow Standards Development Levy Fund (SDLF) to procure your capital requirements in hard currency so that you continue to execute your mandate for the benefit of the nation.”
Minister Ndlovu said standards were the backbone of society, ensuring the safety and quality of products and services, facilitating international trade, and improving the environment in which citizens live.
mbulelo smpofu
