About the Zambia National Laboratory Association

Professional body for Zambian laboratories, driving quality, competence, and regional collaboration.

About The Association

Professional body for Zambian laboratories, driving quality, competence, and regional collaboration.

Who We Are

The Zambia National Laboratory Association (ZNLA) is a professional body representing laboratories and laboratory professionals in Zambia. The Association brings together corporate laboratories, individual professionals, and associate members committed to advancing quality, competence, and ethical practice in laboratory science.

ZNLA was established on 30th March 2012 as a legal entity under the Societies Act Cap 119 of 2006. The Association is hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), with its Secretariat housed at the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) in Lusaka.

ZNLA is a recognized member of the SADC Regional Laboratory Association (SRLA) and actively collaborates with regional and international laboratory networks to promote harmonized standards, accreditation readiness, and scientific excellence.

Mission, Objectives, and Partnerships

Our Mission

To strengthen laboratory competence, quality, and collaboration in Zambia through professional development, harmonized standards, and regional and international engagement.

Our Objectives

  • Represent Zambian laboratories in national, regional, and international platforms
  • Promote cooperation and resource sharing among laboratories
  • Facilitate technology transfer through training, workshops, and seminars
  • Support Proficiency Testing (PT) Schemes and Inter-Laboratory Comparisons (ILCs)
  • Encourage harmonization of laboratory standards and test methods
  • Advance professional recognition and ethical conduct
  • Support laboratories toward accreditation and international recognition
  • Strengthen supplier–laboratory relationships
  • Contribute to national economic growth and scientific research

Regional & International Engagement

ZNLA is the sixth national laboratory association established within the SADC region. We collaborate closely with laboratory associations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, DRC, Eswatini, and Tanzania to promote harmonized practices and shared technical advancement across Southern Africa.