Fada N'Gourma:The Burkinabe Agency for Standardization, Metrology and Quality (ABNORM) convened economic actors from the Goulmou region to discuss quality standards and certification procedures.

According to Burkina Information Agency, ABNORM, a public institution responsible for implementing national policies on standardization, aims to enhance product and service quality, protect consumers, and strengthen business competitiveness in Burkina Faso. The agency offers over 1,500 national standards to economic operators.

Oumarou Ky, representing the Director General of ABNORM, encouraged producers and processors to familiarize themselves with necessary product requirements and certification procedures. He emphasized the importance of compliance and competitiveness through understanding measurement and analysis techniques in manufacturing.

Ky also noted that ABNORM holds international ISO 17065 accreditation for its certification activities. The meeting highlighted challenges such as administrative complexities and certification costs.

Simone Soubeiga, president of the "Misola Lafi Biga" association, urged ABNORM to reconsider certain documentation and cost requirements, which pose difficulties for small processing units. She mentioned that obtaining necessary documents can be time-consuming and costly but acknowledged ABNORM's presence as beneficial for local processors.

Boukari Ou©draogo, regional director of Industry, Trade and Crafts of Gourma, praised the initiative and encouraged local economic operators to utilize standardization tools. He advocated for ongoing support between ABNORM and local stakeholders to streamline processes and improve regional product quality.