-Accreditation key to global market access, says Director General
ADDIS ABABA – Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must prioritize product inspection and quality certification to successfully compete in international markets, according to the Ethiopian Accreditation Service (EAS).
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, EAS Director General Bonsa Bayissa stressed that growing global competition demands that SMEs obtain recognition from accredited institutions to ensure sustained market access and consumer trust.
“Quality is the key player in entering the global market,” Bonsa said. “SMEs must evaluate and enhance their product quality to meet international standards, enabling them to directly access competitive markets.”
He emphasized that environmental safety and consumer protection standards are increasingly mandatory, especially for small and medium producers. Obtaining certification from recognized accreditation bodies helps ensure that products meet these evolving standards both locally and globally.
To support this effort, the EAS recently awarded accredited certificates to 20 institutions that met national accreditation requirements. “We have helped numerous small and medium producers become more productive and capable of delivering safe, high-quality products to the public,” Bonsa said.
The Ethiopian Accreditation Service provides accreditation to conformity assessment bodies, playing a crucial role in ensuring fair market competition, protecting consumer safety, and promoting environmental sustainability. It also facilitates international recognition through mutual agreements with global partners.
In the healthcare sector, the EAS accredits hospitals and medical laboratories to improve service quality and testing proficiency. “So far, we have provided accreditation to about 70 institutions, covering both certification and inspection services,” Bonsa noted. “While significant progress has been made, much work remains to expand quality standards across all sectors.”
He concluded by highlighting the need for a national culture of quality: “For SMEs and service providers to gain public trust and global acceptance, quality management systems are not optional, they are essential.”
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2025
