Botswana Bureau of Standards - BOBS

12/06/2026

𝐁𝐎𝐁𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄

In our quest to expand our reach and foster strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, BOBS this afternoon successfully signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐫𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 (𝐍𝐄𝐂) a local institution specializing in engineering and technology. The agreement formalizes and strengthens the relationship between the two organizations.

Through this partnership, BOBS and NEC will explore opportunities for collaboration in areas including research-based projects, the exchange of technical expertise in engineering and technology, and the provision of hands-on practical training opportunities for NEC students to better prepare them for industry. The partnership will also facilitate the participation of technical experts in the development of standards and related processes that support and benefit industry growth and development.

The MoU reflects our commitment to advancing innovation, skills development, standardization, and quality infrastructure in Botswana.

11/06/2026

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 - 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟒𝟓

In this episode of The Quality Drive Podcast, we explore the hidden risks associated with improper potato packaging and why packaging plays a critical role in food safety, product quality, and consumer protection.

Our discussion with Ms Abigail Rankokwane, National Focal Point for Consumer Issues and Standardization, highlights the growing practice of selling potatoes in orange mesh sacks designed for citrus fruits and explains why this can present serious risks to consumers.

We discuss how exposure to light through transparent or mesh packaging can cause potatoes to develop chlorophyll and increase levels of solanine, a naturally occurring toxic compound that may pose health risks when consumed in high concentrations. The conversation also explores how unsuitable packaging can accelerate spoilage, encourage mold growth, and reduce the shelf-life of potatoes.

In addition, we examine the importance of traceability and consumer rights, including the risks associated with removing potatoes from their original packaging and the loss of important information such as batch numbers, expiry dates, and source of origin. We also discuss the principles of safe food packaging and provide practical tips consumers can use when purchasing potatoes.

This episode is essential for consumers, retailers, food vendors, farmers, and anyone interested in understanding how standards contribute to food safety, quality assurance, and consumer protection.

For more information on Food Packaging standards, please contact the Botswana Bureau of Standards:
📍 Plot 55745, Block 8, Gaborone
📍 Plot 44149, Francistown, Botswana
📞 +267 390 3200
📞 Toll Free: 0800 600 941
📧 [email protected]

09/06/2026

𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 – 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘

On this 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲, we proudly shine a spotlight on the 𝐁𝐎𝐁𝐒 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 (𝐈𝐌𝐔) for successfully renewing its Temperature and Dimensional Calibration accreditation and achieving an extension of scope to include additional calibration services.

The updated accreditation granted by the SADC Accreditation Service-SADCAS in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 underscores BOBS' continued commitment to technical competence and the delivery of accurate, reliable, and internationally recognized calibration results to industry.

The accreditation covers the following scopes:

- Dimensional Metrology to ISO/IEC 17025:2017;
- Temperature Metrology to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
- Force Metrology to ISO/IEC 17025:2017;
- Pressure Metrology to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
- Electrical DC Low Frequency Metrology to ISO/IEC 17025:2017; and
- Time and Frequency Metrology to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

For more information or to request a quotation for BOBS Calibration Services, please contact us at:

Botswana Bureau of Standards
Plot 55745, Airport Road, Block 8
Private Bag BO 48
Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: (+267) 390 3200
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bobstandards.bw

09/06/2026

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆

Join us this week on The Quality Drive Podcast as we unpack an important consumer safety issue that often goes unnoticed the packaging used to store and sell potatoes.

In this insightful discussion with Ms Abigail Rankokwane, National Focal Point for Consumer Issues and Standardization, we explore the risks associated with selling potatoes in orange mesh sacks intended for citrus fruits. While it may seem harmless, improper packaging can affect food safety, product quality, shelf-life, and consumer rights.

Learn how exposure to light can cause potatoes to develop harmful compounds, why proper packaging matters for traceability and food safety, and what consumers should look for when purchasing potatoes. We also discuss the role of standards in ensuring that food packaging is fit-for-purpose, safe, and capable of maintaining product quality.

Watch the full discussion on the BOBS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/. Don't forget to subscribe, like and comment, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

09/06/2026

Today, Botswana Bureau of Standards - BOBS joins SADC Accreditation Service-SADCAS and the global community in commemorating 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 under the theme; "𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧."

BOBS remains committed to facilitating trade, protecting consumers, and strengthening quality infrastructure through competence, conformity assessment, and internationally recognized standards.

We are proud to have attained accreditation from SADCAS for the following services:

✔ Compulsory Standards Unit – Inspection to ISO/IEC 17020

✔ Testing Laboratory – Testing to ISO/IEC 17025

✔ Industrial Metrology Unit – Calibration to ISO/IEC 17025

✔ Trade Metrology Unit – Calibration to ISO/IEC 17025

✔ Quality Management Systems Certification – Certification to ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and ISO/IEC 17021-3:2017

As we celebrate World Accreditation Day, we recognize the critical role accreditation plays in fostering confidence, supporting innovation, enabling sustainable development, and facilitating access to regional and global markets.

𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Gaborone, Botswana – 9 June 2026

The Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) proudly joins the global community in commemorating World Accreditation Day 2026, held annually on 9 June. This year’s theme, “Innovation, Trust and Sustainability: The Power of Accreditation”, underscores the vital role accreditation plays in enabling innovation, building trust, and supporting a more sustainable future.

Driving Innovation
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, businesses must innovate to remain competitive while meeting stringent compliance requirements. Accreditation provides the assurance that conformity assessment bodies operate with competence, impartiality, and reliability. By verifying systems and processes, accreditation enables innovation to progress safely and responsibly, ensuring that new technologies and solutions are trusted by regulators, markets, and consumers alike.

Building Trust
Trust is the cornerstone of trade, consumer confidence, and institutional credibility. Accreditation strengthens this trust by offering independent oversight that validates the quality and reliability of products, services, and institutions. Through internationally recognized accreditation schemes, SADCAS ensures that conformity assessment results are accepted across borders, reducing duplication of checks and facilitating smoother access to foreign markets.

Supporting Sustainability
As sustainability becomes a defining priority for governments, businesses, and consumers, accreditation plays a critical role in verifying environmental claims and supporting responsible practices. By ensuring that sustainability standards are credibly assessed, accreditation helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

SADCAS Milestones
Now in its 17th year of operation, SADCAS continues to expand its reach and impact with accreditations in 13 of the 14 member-states under its operational boundaries and 3 outside the region (Burundi, Mauritius, and Uganda). In addition, our service offering has been extended to include accreditation of Proficiency Testing providers. With average 50 applications at various stages of processing, this reflects a strong and growing demand for accreditation services.
Capacity building remains central to SADCAS mission. To date, the organization has conducted 240 training courses across most SADC Member States, equipping conformity assessment bodies with the skills needed to meet international standards. These efforts align with the SADC Industrial Policy, focusing on priority sectors and value chains critical to regional development.

Global Reach
Seven of the nine accreditation schemes offered by SADCAS are internationally recognized. This global recognition means that certificates issued by SADCAS for testing, calibration, medical laboratories, inspection bodies, and management systems certification are accepted worldwide. For SADC Member States, this translates into enhanced market access, reduced trade barriers, and greater participation in global value chains.

Looking Ahead
World Accreditation Day 2026 is a reminder that accreditation is more than a technical process—it is a strategic enabler of innovation, trust, and sustainability. As SADCAS continues to broaden its scope and strengthen its services, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting regional integration, facilitating trade, and building a resilient quality infrastructure for the future.

For more information, please visit: www.sadcas.org

Or contact: Communications and Public Relations Office – [email protected]

04/06/2026

𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑

𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨: BOBS/2026-2027/01/SER
𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞: PROVISION OF OUTSOURCING OF BOTSWANA BUREAU OF STANDARDS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY FUNCTION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO (2) YEARS
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬:
Code 120 (ICT Technical Support Services)
Sub code(s): 06 (ICT Security Management and Maintenance Services) and
08 (ICT Risk Management Services)
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 100% citizen owned companies only
𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠: 19th June 2026 @ 10:00am

1.Youth owned companies shall purchase the tender document at half the price as per Presidential Directive CAB 14(B) 2015. Youth company owners should be 35 years or below and shall submit proof of such. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.

2.Tender documents with full details and specifications are available at a non-refundable deposit fee of 𝐁𝐖𝐏𝟑𝟓𝟎.𝟎𝟎 payable in cash, or through electronic fund transfer (EFT). 𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐘 of the tender document is issued from:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫
𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐮 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬
𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞
𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐨. 𝐅𝟓
𝐓𝐞𝐥 𝟑𝟗𝟎𝟑𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐅𝐚𝐱 𝟑𝟗𝟎𝟑𝟏𝟐𝟎

3.Payment by cash can be made between 8:30am -12:30pm and 14:00 -16:00pm from Mondays to Fridays at the Cashier’s office or through the BOBS bank account. Proof of payment should be emailed to [email protected]. Banking details are as follows:
𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞: Botswana Bureau of Standards
𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤: Standard Chartered Bank
𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 0100155024400
𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞: 662167
𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞: Mall
𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞: SCHBBWG###

4.Queries and /or clarifications relating to the documents may be addressed to Manager Procurement, Email: [email protected] or [email protected] , Tel: +267 3903200 / +267 3645415.The tender must be delivered to:

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫
𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐮 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐠 𝐁𝐎𝟒𝟖 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝟓𝟓𝟕𝟒𝟓, 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝, 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝟖, 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞

5.Kindly note that opening of tender will be on the 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, at 𝟏𝟎:𝟎𝟎𝐚𝐦 in BOBS Tender Room and interested parties are invited to attend.

02/06/2026

We regret to inform you that 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 episode has been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE NEXT EPISODE ON TUESDAY NEXT WEEK, 9TH JUNE 2026 @ 1000HRS.

𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐈𝐙𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄

31/05/2026

𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!

As we conclude our participation at the Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair 2026, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who visited our stall and showed interest in quality assurance and standards.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power. It is a continuous journey that keeps us informed and empowers us to make decisions that benefit both businesses and consumers alike.

Your engagement, insightful discussions, and interest in our services made this year's fair a rewarding experience.

We look forward to future engagements, stronger partnerships, and more opportunities to promote a culture of quality in Botswana.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Ta boka! 🙏🏽

28/05/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬

The Botswana Bureau of Standards - BOBS is excited to be exhibiting at the Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair 2026, which this year marks 30 years of providing a strategic platform aimed at cultivating and promoting businesses in the northern part of Botswana.

Delivering his keynote address at the official opening of the fair, the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Honourable Tiroeaone Ntsima, commended Business Botswana for its unwavering commitment to business development in the country. He reflected on this year’s theme, which calls for a shift from the traditional export of raw materials and encourages local businesses and manufacturers to focus on producing and exporting finished products.

In his remarks as Guest of Honour, the Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Honourable Moeti C. Mohwasa, stated that this year marks a defining juncture in Botswana’s journey towards economic diversification and a new era of industrial growth. He noted that the theme for the Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair aligns with the mandate of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), which advocates for industrial diversification. He further implored the business community to build a robust industrial sector, emphasizing that the value chain revolution cannot be achieved by government alone, but requires the specialized ex*****on and agility of the private sector.

BOBS continues to support businesses through standardization, training, quality assurance, testing, certification, and metrology services that promote consumer protection and facilitate market access.

Visit the BOBS stall at Hall 2, HS 32, to learn more about quality assurance and the wide range of BOBS products and services.

28/05/2026

𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐅𝐋𝐔𝐗 (𝐏𝐭𝐲) 𝐋𝐭𝐝 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃

Geoflux Pty Ltd proudly marked a historic milestone on 22 May as the company celebrated its official BOS ISO 9001:2015 Certification awarded by the Botswana Bureau of Standards - BOBS. The occasion was not only a celebration of compliance and quality excellence, but also a reflection of the remarkable journey of a proudly Botswana-grown company built on professionalism, unity, and family values.

Established with a vision to provide world-class consultancy services in geology, hydrogeology, environmental studies, and multidisciplinary engineering, Geoflux has steadily grown into one of Botswana’s trusted consulting firms, with operations spanning Gaborone, Francistown, and Orapa. Over the years, the company has demonstrated that local expertise can compete confidently on international standards.

The certification process began on 26 March 2025 and culminated in certification on 12 February 2026 following rigorous assessments conducted by BOBS. Achieving the BOS ISO 9001:2015 certification is a testament to Geoflux’s commitment to quality management, operational excellence, and continual improvement across all its business processes.

The certification reinforced the importance of quality assurance in today’s competitive business environment, positioning Geoflux among organizations committed to delivering consistent, reliable, and internationally recognized services.

Congratulations to Geoflux Pty Ltd on this outstanding achievement and on setting a strong example for Botswana’s private sector.

#𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲