Streamlining Local Food Processing: How Standardized operations have accelerated the move

By Elias Hakizimana.

The drive for standardized operations has revolutionized the landscape of local food processing, thanks to the Zamukana Ubuziranenge Program that was initiated by the Government of Rwanda through Rwanda Standards Board (RSB). The program aims to support MSMEs and SMEs to comply with quality standards through a food safety maturity model that involves training on food standards, coaching of SMEs done at workplace, and further support through the whole process of complying with food safety standards and regulations.

Zamukana Ubuziranenge has been bolstering the quality and safety of products within the local food production industries, as well as hotels and restaurants.

Inaugurated in 2017, the program aimed at promoting the safety and global competitiveness of Made in Rwanda products.

Critical parameters, spanning from raw food commodities in the fields to food transportation, processing, and packaging, are pivotal for products to earn the coveted standardization mark (S-Mark).

Leon Munyeshuri, Manager at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, attests to the positive impact of complying with food safety and quality standards on customer satisfaction and trust.

“This initiative has bolstered customer confidence in our offerings, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust and quality,” Munyeshuri remarks.

Murangwa Innocent, General Manager of Giheke Dairy in Rusizi District, highlights the program’s role in elevating the reputation of their dairy products, both domestically and internationally.

“With stringent quality requirements in place, we’ve established a strong presence in the market, with a significant portion of our products destined for international markets. Thanks to the technical support we got through Zamukana Ubuziranenge, we have been able to comply with quality standards, ensure the safety of our products, we got our products certified and our business has expanded to establish eight (8) milk collection centres in , Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts to ensure the quality of raw milk supplied by farmers and in return ease the supply of processed milk to local communities to support the fight against malnutrition and stunting,” Murangwa affirms.

Bella Naivasha Hakizimana, RSB employee involved in the ‘Zamukana Ubuziranenge’ Program, emphasizes the program’s contribution to empowering SMEs to access and maintain local and international markets.

“Ensuring quality assurance among locally made products is important for SMEs, particularly those in food processing, hotels, and restaurants to thrive in competitive markets,” Hakizimana asserts.

She further underscores the growing recognition of the program’s impact, urging more enterprises to embrace the journey towards certification of their services and products.

According to RSB reports, the number of locally made certified products has surged from 300 in 2017 to over 900 in 2024, reflecting the growing commitment to quality and safety standards.

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