Afreximbank, the African Export-Import Bank, is adopting a new strategy to ensure that agricultural and food products from Africa are manufactured to international standards. The aim is to promote industrialization and facilitate trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). But also, will allow intra-African and global trade.

To this end, Afreximbank has started since February 25, the manufacture of the first African Quality Assurance Center (AQAC) in Nigeria, more precisely in the Ogun region. A center for testing, authentication, verification and training on agricultural products. It is estimated that it will start its activities in the second quarter of 2022 and that it will be able to create 400 jobs in the region of implementation.

AQAC follows the ISO 17025 standard. This conformity is intended for testing and calibration laboratories to ensure the credibility and reliability of the range of services provided. Thus to make physical and chemical tests, to analyze contaminants, water, soil and plants also to test microbiologies.

It is located on a 5 ha site in the Ogun area. It is located 65 km from the commercial capital of Nigeria, Lagos. Bureau Veritas is supporting this project and is even the technical partner of Afreximbank for the implementation.

The bank says an on-site training academy will provide training in standards, quality assurance and the skills needed for a company to compete in regional and international markets. Those in the public and private sectors will be the beneficiaries of this learning.

Santie

Photo Credits : Lejecos

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