In 2012 Victus Global started working on a joint UNIDO-WTO trade capacity building programme in Zambia. The current challenges for the suppliers in Zambia revolve around: an insufficient understanding of the requirements and expectations of the retailers; a challenging supply chain; and lack of knowledge in food safety systems, storage and transportation. For retailers, this means that, with an alarming frequency, they are simply unable to obtain high-quality products from local suppliers – forcing them to look elsewhere to secure the stock they need.
To help address these long-standing issues, the GFSI Global markets programme addresses these issues through the mentoring and knowledge-transfer to suppliers. We are also training a group of local experts to build human capital in Zambia
The GFSI Global Market Programme was developed by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) for small and/or less developed businesses, which because of their size, lack of technical expertise and limited economic resources encounter difficulties in implementing HACCP and food safety systems in their businesses.
The GFSI Global Markets Programme is based on a three-phase systematic approach which takes place over a specified period and leads to continuous improvement, with the aim of promoting certification to internationally recognised standards. This practical approach model has proven to be effective in Zambia.
The objective of the programme is to enhance SPS/Technical standards and quality management capacities of SMEs through the development and implementation of a voluntary capacity building scheme based on the GFSI GMaP for both primary and processing sectors. COMESA Member States participating in the program include Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Key accomplishments of the program include the successful development and validation of a voluntary capacity-building scheme tailored to the needs of both primary and processing sectors. The phased approach, from design and pilot to full-scale implementation, has fostered a robust framework for continuous improvement in food safety standards. The establishment of an online platform has been crucial, providing stakeholders with easy access to training materials, standard operating procedures, and certification guidelines.
This program not only aligns with the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving trade standards and reducing barriers but also sets a precedent for similar initiatives aiming to elevate food safety and quality management across Africa.
Zambeef Products PLC is one of the largest integrated agri-businesses in Zambia. The Group is principally involved in the production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, milk, dairy products, eggs, edible oils, stock feed, flour and bread. The Group also has large row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 8,350 Ha of row crops under irrigation and 8,650 Ha of rain fed/dry land crops available for planting each year. Victus Global is working with Zambeef to implement a functional Food Safety Management System (FSMS). The overall project benefits are improved quality and increased market access.
In depth regulatory scan covering two countries within Africa (Angola and Ethiopia) Worked with Unilever to establish a direct business in Ethiopia and Angola providing homecare, personal care, food and drinks. This was an investigative mission to meet various Government institutions, parastatals and private organisations in both countries who are responsible for the regulatory environment for fast-moving consumer goods. It Included any gazette and non-gazette regulations or bans covering imports into Ethiopia and Angola and any timing indications on the non- gazette items. The project has resulted in Unilever commissioning a plant in Ethiopia to produce homecare products.
Nomad Foods Europe, UK, Europe, South America is Europe’s leading branded frozen food business both in terms of sales and brand recognition. Their core brands include; Birds Eye, Iglo and Findus (in Europe). They produce premium branded frozen food products in 11 European countries, and marketing and distribute their products across most of Central and Eastern Europe.
Victus Global has worked with Iglo to audit their raw material suppliers across Europe and the rest of the world.
