National Standardization, Quality Promotion Program Launched

The Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA) has officially launched its national Standardization and Quality Promotion Program.

The program was launched under the theme: “A Call for National Stakeholders’ Support, Engagement and Participation.”

LiSA Director-General, Stephen Y. Mambu, said, the program aims to establish a comprehensive framework for standardization that will bolster economic growth and competitiveness.

Mambu said, the launch highlighted the importance of a functional national program that addresses standardized needs of various sectors, which aligned with international benchmarks and practices.

He has meanwhile, called upon all national stakeholders to actively participate in the initiative to ensure the effective implementation of the program.

As Liberia embarks on the journey to improved standards and quality assurance, government and partners, are to create a safer, and more competitive environment for local businesses and consumers.

The successful operation of the program will be crucial in fostering economic growth to enhance the overall quality of life for Liberians.

Lord Ernest Pappy Benjamin, head of LiSA’s Department for Standards and Quality stressed the need for the initiative to meet its operational mandate as outlined in the Standard Act of 2022.

“This program is not merely a regulatory exercise, but a foundation of our economic growth, and the safety of the products circulating in the country.”

For years, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have faced challenges in competing with imported goods due to the lack of a robust framework for standards testing and quality assurance.

The new program also seeks to establish a clear set of standards that will help local producers meet both national and international market requirements.

Benjamin said, development of the National Standardization and Quality Promotion Program, came as a result of extensive collaboration, which involved stakeholders, including government ministries, private sector representatives and civil society organizations.

“We have adopted 226 national standards since 2016, which involved multiple stakeholders. This collaborative approach is essential to ensure the standards we set reflect the realities and needs of our economy.”

The program is designed to be inclusive; to harmonize existing standards in different sectors, including agriculture, health and manufacturing.

It will also focus on engaging various stakeholders to ensure that the standards developed are practical and beneficial for unique context.

“As we develop these standards, we must consider our economic, cultural, and environmental circumstances to ensure they are suitable and effective,” Benjamin said.

WFP Supply Chain Officer, John W. Clarke, highlighted the importance of food safety in the context of the new program.

He disclosed how 78,000 students have benefited from WFP food assistance programs in 320 schools in Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba, Maryland, and Bong counties.

The launch of the National Standardization and Quality Promotion Program is one of vital steps to position Liberia to sustainable development and economic resilience.