By Yambilani Nyirenda Mbale
Zambia has taken a major step toward accessing the lucrative European seed market following the successful completion of a preliminary assessment of the country’s seed certification system under the European Union (EU) Equivalence Seed Scheme.
The assessment mission, conducted from 16–20 February 2026, is part of Zambia’s preparations for a full audit of the national seed certification system expected in 2027.
The exercise evaluated whether Zambia’s seed quality assurance framework aligns with the rigorous regulatory and technical standards required for countries seeking recognition under the EU equivalence framework.
If granted equivalence status, Zambia would be eligible to export certified seed directly into EU markets.
ZASTA Leading Industry Coordination
The programme for the assessment mission was coordinated by the Zambia Seed Trade Association (ZASTA) in collaboration with the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI), the government body responsible for seed regulation and certification.
The mission involved a detailed review of Zambia’s seed regulatory processes, including variety registration systems, field inspection procedures, seed testing laboratories, certification protocols and quality assurance mechanisms.
The exercise was designed to identify any areas that may require strengthening before the final EU audit takes place. Preparations for the mission were supported through partnerships with international organisations and industry stakeholders including the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), Euroseeds, the French national seed certification authority Service Officiel de Contrôle et de Certification (SOC) – France, and Bayer’s regional office in Nairobi.
Why EU Equivalence Matters
The EU Equivalence Seed Scheme allows countries outside the EU to export seed to the European market if their certification systems are recognised as equivalent to EU standards.
This recognition signals that a country maintains high levels of regulatory oversight in areas such as seed quality control, field inspections, laboratory testing and certification procedures.
For Zambia’s growing seed sector, recognition would represent a significant milestone. This development will open new export opportunities while strengthening investor confidence in Zambia’s seed industry.
Boosting Zambia’s Position as a Regional Seed Hub
Recognition under the EU equivalence framework is expected to bring several strategic benefits for Zambia’s agricultural sector. These include expanded export opportunities to Europe, increased international recognition of Zambia’s seed certification system and greater investment in seed production and processing infrastructure.
The development will also reinforce Zambia’s role as an emerging regional seed production and distribution hub within Southern Africa.
The country has made significant progress in strengthening its regulatory framework, with collaboration between government institutions and the private sector playing a key role.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 EU Audit
The preliminary assessment marks an important milestone in Zambia’s journey toward international recognition of its seed certification system.
With the full EU audit expected in 2027, stakeholders across the seed sector will now focus on addressing any recommendations identified during the preliminary mission.
If successful, Zambia would join a small group of non-EU countries whose seed certification systems are recognized as equivalent to those within the European Union — a move expected to significantly enhance the country’s competitiveness in global seed markets.
About ZASTA
Zambia Seed Trade Association (ZASTA) is the national industry body representing seed companies in Zambia. The association works to promote a competitive, innovative and well-regulated seed sector through policy advocacy, industry coordination and partnerships with government and international stakeholders.
