The Associação Industrial de Moçambique (AIMO) and Energy Works, a firm specialising in management systems consultancy and technical support, launched the second edition of InduCert in Maputo on Thursday (22), a programme designed to facilitate member companies' access to international ISO standard certification through a 10% discount on implementation services and specialised technical assistance.

The initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions and aims to help companies improve their management systems, streamline internal processes, and strengthen competitiveness by reducing the costs associated with certification.

According to Priscila Maposse, who heads business development, brand strategy, and marketing at Energy Works, the programme seeks to address one of the principal challenges faced by companies: the cost of certification, which is often perceived as a high investment whose benefits are not immediately apparent.

"It is a strategic tool," Maposse said, explaining that InduCert offers special conditions to make the process more accessible, including the 10% discount and technical support tailored to the nature and activity of each company.

Maposse added that companies will be supported by specialist consultants who will assist them in organising their processes and preparing for certification. The programme covers a range of ISO standards, allowing each organisation to select those that best meet its needs.

The standards covered include ISO 9001, relating to quality management; ISO 14001, on environmental management; ISO 45001, covering occupational health and safety; ISO 27001, linked to information security; and ISO 22000, directed at food safety management.

Certification Benefits for Competitiveness and Internal Processes

According to Maposse, while certification is not a general legal requirement, it can represent a competitive advantage for companies. In certain public tenders and commercial relationships, the existence of certified management systems may be a prerequisite, meaning certification enables organisations to improve their business opportunities and facilitate partnerships with other certified companies.

Sandra Notisso, a consultant at Energy Works, highlighted that certification helps to organise internal processes, establish working procedures, and improve responsiveness to client needs. To begin the process, she explained, companies must be legally registered, meet the requirements of the chosen standard and applicable technical specifications, and have adequate premises, infrastructure, and human resources.

Notisso further explained that the process begins with a company diagnostic, followed by staff training, the organisation of procedures, and the implementation of the management system. Subsequent checks are then carried out to assess compliance with the standards. The duration of the process varies according to the size of the company, the complexity of its activities, and the number of processes and employees involved.

The consultant stressed that obtaining the certificate is not sufficient — companies must apply and maintain, on a day-to-day basis, the procedures required by the standards. The certificate is valid for three years, during which follow-up audits are conducted to verify that the company continues to meet requirements and to improve its processes.

InduCert is aimed at AIMO member companies and also seeks to encourage new organisations to join the association. The programme also covers companies that already hold certification but wish to adopt additional standards, allowing them to benefit from the 10% discount and technical support provided by Energy Works.