Uganda is set to commemorate World Accreditation Day 2025 with a strong emphasis on empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon. David Bahati, during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

He highlighted that this year’s theme underscores the vital role accreditation and the broader quality infrastructure system play in supporting and strengthening SMEs.

Celebrated in over 100 economies worldwide, the World Accreditation Day (WAD) is a global initiative established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to raise awareness on the importance of accreditation amongst all relevant stakeholders.

This year, the day will be commemorated under the theme "The theme emphasizes the crucial role that accreditation and the broader quality infrastructure system play in supporting and strengthening SMEs."

According to the World Trade Organization, nearly 95% of businesses globally are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with most employing fewer than 250 people. Despite their size, SMEs contribute significantly to employment across all economies, including developed countries.

In Uganda, SMEs play an even more critical role—contributing over 70% to the country’s GDP and providing nearly 90% of employment across key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and service.

While addressing the media at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon. David Bahati, highlighted some of the key challenges facing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He noted that the commemoration of World Accreditation Day aims to raise awareness about the role of accreditation in empowering SMEs to compete effectively in both local and international markets, while also contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hon. Bahati also hinted at the various benefits of accreditation.

In order to improve accreditation in the country, Bahati says that the government has embarked on a number of programs, including the establishment of a National Accreditation Office at Makubya Road in Nakawa to provide accreditation services.