Statement at the event to mark the award of a Management System Certification Body Status to the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau by Mr. Babatunde Ahonsi

Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen: 

It gives me immense pleasure to address you today on the occasion of celebrating the achievement of accreditation for a management system certification body under the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau (SLSB).

The accreditation of a management system certification body is a significant achievement that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the individuals who have worked tirelessly to meet the rigorous standards required for accreditation.

By achieving accreditation, this management system certification body has demonstrated its commitment to providing high-quality certification services that meet internationally recognized standards. This accreditation will further strengthen the confidence of SLSB in the certification process and increase the credibility of the certification body.

Sierra Leone is home to many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that play a vital role in the country's economy. However, these SMEs often face challenges in terms of competitiveness, access to finance, and access to markets.

SMEs in Sierra Leone can improve their competitiveness and gain access to new markets through the implementation of effective management systems. A management system provides a framework for running and continuously improving an organization's operations, which can lead to improved efficiency, increased customer satisfaction, and reduced waste.

Accreditation of a management system certification body can provide SMEs in Sierra Leone with the assurance that their management system is compliant with internationally recognized standards and is operating in accordance with best practices. It can also be seen as a step in transforming SMEs that are in the informal sector to the formal sector.  This, in turn, can help SMEs to gain a competitive advantage and increase their chances of success in local and international markets.

Furthermore, the accreditation of this management system certification body is a positive step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By ensuring that management systems are certified to international standards, we can help to promote sustainable development and ensure that businesses and organizations are operating in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.

Accredited management system certification bodies can help to ensure that organizations are complying with relevant laws and regulations, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting sustainable business practices. This can lead to improved environmental and social outcomes and can contribute to the achievement of several SDGs, such as SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and, most importantly, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and even SDG 1 (No poverty).

In conclusion, the accreditation of a management system certification body is an important step that contributes to achievement of the 2030 Agenda. By promoting sustainable business practices and providing assurance that organizations are operating in accordance with internationally recognized best practices, accredited management system certification bodies can help to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Let me end by congratulating the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau management system certification body leadership and the team along with UNIDO WACOMP, an EU-funded project, on its achievement and encourage it to continue its efforts to maintain and improve the quality of its certification services.

Thank you.