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Description

The proposed project aims to strengthen and accredit ZAFIRI fisheries and aquaculture testing laboratories to internationally recognized standards, including ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 17065:2012, in order to provide reliable, credible, and internationally recognized laboratory testing services. The project responds to the growing need for quality and food safety verification of fisheries and aquaculture products traded in domestic, regional, and international markets, where compliance with safety and quality standards is essential. Currently, limited laboratory accreditation and technical capacity constrain product testing, certification, regulatory oversight, disease surveillance, research collaboration, and access to export markets. The project will upgrade laboratory infrastructure and equipment, including procurement and installation of a GC-MS/MS system, establish and implement a comprehensive Quality Management System, strengthen staff capacity through specialized training and technical mentorship, improve analytical methods and validation procedures, establish digital systems for calibration and proficiency testing, and facilitate laboratory assessment and accreditation audits. The project is expected to enhance the credibility and acceptance of laboratory results, improve compliance of fisheries and aquaculture products with food safety and export requirements, strengthen national laboratory capacity, increase stakeholder confidence, improve market access and competitiveness, support effective fisheries and food safety regulation, and contribute to increased government revenue from fisheries and aquaculture trade. Primary beneficiaries will include fishers, aquaculture farmers, traders, processors, exporters, consumers, regulatory institutions, and the Ministry responsible for Blue Economy and Fisheries. The project will be implemented over three years by ZAFIRI in collaboration with external technical experts, with sustainability supported through institutionalization of the Quality Management System, continued government support, and integration of laboratory operations into ZAFIRI’s institutional mandate. The estimated total project cost is TZS 2,751,249,000, with funding expected from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

Activities

No activities listed.