Mutale Nalumango to grace Africa Brands Awards

By BARNABAS ZULU

VICE President Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango is expected to grace the Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards on July 10, 2026, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, where more than 250 brands from 13 Southern African countries will be honoured with the Quality Seal of Excellence.

Speaking ahead of the event, Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards Africa Representative, Ambassador Patrick Nsubuga, said the awards are aimed at recognising organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to quality, consistency and excellence in the delivery of products and services.

"The Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards recognise organisations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to quality, consistency and excellence in their products and services," Amb. Nsubuga said.

He said this year's ceremony will bring together distinguished representatives from regional quality assurance bodies, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, the Zambia Bureau of Standards, the Halal Research Council and other leaders from the business community.

Amb. Nsubuga congratulated all the brands set to receive the Quality Seal of Excellence, saying the recognition represents far more than an award.

"To every brand that will be receiving the Quality Seal of Excellence this year, congratulations. This seal is more than a recognition; it is a mark of trust that tells consumers, partners and investors that your brand meets the highest standards expected in today's competitive markets," he said.

He noted that as consumers increasingly demand accountability and reliability, the Quality Seal of Excellence positions winning brands as leaders within Zambia and the wider Southern African region.

"We believe this recognition will open new doors, build greater consumer confidence and strengthen the reputation of Southern African regional brands on a wider stage," he said.

Amb. Nsubuga also announced that the awards ceremony will coincide with the official launch of the Investors Exim Hub, a platform designed to help manufacturers and service providers access import and export markets, as well as investment and financing opportunities.

"I am also pleased to announce that during this same ceremony, we will be officially launching the Investors Exim Hub, a dedicated platform designed to support manufacturers and service providers in accessing import and export markets, as well as funding opportunities," he said.

He said the hub will connect local businesses with regional and international trade networks while linking entrepreneurs to investors and financial institutions.

"Our goal is simple: to ensure that quality Southern African brands are not only recognised for excellence, but are also equipped with the tools, networks and resources to scale, export and compete globally," Amb. Nsubuga said.

He invited award recipients, members of the media, business stakeholders and the public to attend what he described as a landmark event for quality, trade and investment in the region.

"We warmly invite all award recipients, members of the media, business stakeholders and the general public to join us on the 10th of July 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre for what promises to be a landmark event for quality, trade and investment in our region," he said.

"Together, let us celebrate excellence and open new frontiers for trade and growth."