KEBS boss highlights quality as key to Africa's trade growth at Mombasa Conference

Ngari was speaking during her opening remarks at the Regional Quality Conference in Mombasa.

Themed "Realizing Competitive Advantage through Quality Excellence," the conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and quality practitioners from across the region.

A Shared Vision for Quality

"This gathering marks a significant moment for us, as we unite with the goal of elevating quality standards across our continent and beyond," Ngari said, welcoming attendees. 

 She acknowledged the leadership of National Standards Council (NSC) Council Member Madam Momanyi, highlighting her contributions to the shared vision of fostering a "culture of quality" across African economies.

Quality 4.0: The Future of Excellence

Ngari pointed to "Quality 4.0" as a key theme for the conference, referencing the future of quality and organizational excellence within the context of Industry 4.0.  

"Quality professionals can play a vital role in leading their organizations to apply proven quality disciplines to new, digital, and disruptive technologies," she noted.

The conference also focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).  Ngari highlighted KEBS' proactive role in "providing technical assistance, and training to local businesses to enhance their compliance with international standards." 

This approach, she explained, is facilitating Kenyan business participation in the AfCFTA and contributing to the growth of intra-African trade, which currently sits at 16%.

The discussions extended beyond just meeting compliance standards.  The conference delved into the circular economy from a developing country perspective, exploring the role of quality assurance within this economic model.  Additionally, the conference addressed the emerging importance of certified quality professionals.

On her part, Patricia Okune, a National Standards Council member emphasized that achieving quality excellence requires more than simply meeting established standards.

 "This conference is an invitation to look beyond the horizon, to see quality as a golden key to unlocking unimaginable opportunities," Okune stated.  She challenged attendees to translate learning into action by identifying a specific strategy or insight to implement within their organizations, igniting a "fire of quality excellence."

Bringing together stakeholders from across the region, the conference explored how quality can drive innovation, sustainability, and ultimately, a competitive advantage for African businesses.