African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the commencement of construction of the Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) in Ogun State, Nigeria.
According to Afreximbank, the center will be a state-of-the-art facility with the capacity to offer testing, certification, inspection, and training services covering agricultural products. It is the first in a series of Quality Assurance centers that the Bank seeks to establish across Africa.
With the purpose of propelling industrialization across the continent, the project will ensure that African products meet international standards. Thus, creating an enabling environment for them to participate in intra-African and global trade.
Especially, under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), first class quality infrastructure is always critical in facilitating trade.
Furthermore, construction of the AQAC commenced on 25th February 2021. The Centre will commence operations by Q2 2022. It will provide more than 400 jobs in the Ogun state. This includes approximately 180 in the highly skilled areas of quality assurance, testing, inspection, and certification.
Additionally, an on-site training academy will provide the public and private sectors with training in standards and quality assurance. Also, it will provide skills necessary for businesses to compete in regional and international markets.
Furthermore, the AQAC is strategically situated along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The project site is 65km from Lagos, Nigeria’s main port city and commercial capital, and 75km from Ibadan.
Importance of the Africa Quality Assurance Center
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, remarked: “African businesses are set for a major step-change as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) opens up new markets across the continent and the globe.
“To make their mark in countries around the world, African products must meet international standards. The AQAC will help deliver the highest quality African goods, strengthening their competitiveness and providing confidence to buyers.
“This is an important step, not only in underpinning the ‘Made-in-Africa’ brand, but as a driver for greater exports, increased manufacturing and more resilient economies across the continent.”
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank
Moreover, Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, is Afreximbank’s technical partner on the project. It will manage and operate the facility, Afrexim Bank affirmed.
Also, the partnership will ensure that AQAC meets the ISO 17025 standard for testing and calibration laboratories. These are to ensure the credibility and reliability of the range of services provided. This includes physical and chemical testing, contaminant analysis, microbiological testing, water analysis, soil analysis, plant analysis and organic substrate analysis, among others.
Marc Roussel, Bureau Veritas Africa Senior Vice President, said: “We are very proud to be involved in this project and believe it can effectively shape trust between companies, public authorities and consumers.”
“The AQAC will help improve the quality of Nigerian agricultural and food products, providing a boost to businesses and ensuring the well-being of local consumers.
“At the same time, compliance with international standards will facilitate access to export markets. And thus, increase the economic activity and employment in Nigeria.”
Marc Roussel, Bureau Veritas Africa Senior Vice President
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