Vivo Energy Botswana Secures ISO 17025 Reaccreditation for Francistown Fuel Testing Laboratory

Vivo Energy Botswana Secures ISO 17025 Reaccreditation for Francistown Fuel Testing Laboratory. Vivo Energy Botswana has successfully retained its ISO 17025:2017 reaccreditation for its fuel testing laboratory in Francistown, reinforcing its focus on internationally recognised standards for fuel quality, safety, and operational performance.

The reaccreditation was awarded by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) and applies to the laboratory’s chemical analysis of diesel and petrol. The scope includes key ASTM test methods such as density, distillation, and flashpoint testing, which are essential for verifying fuel quality, ensuring safety, and supporting regulatory compliance across the fuel supply chain.

This achievement represents the third successful periodic assessment since the laboratory first received ISO 17025 accreditation in 2022. An on-site assessment was conducted in July 2025, with reaccreditation formally confirmed in November. The accreditation remains valid until 2027, subject to ongoing surveillance requirements.

Commenting on the milestone, Vivo Energy Botswana Managing Director Sesupo Wagamang said the reaccreditation reflects consistent standards applied in daily operations rather than a single compliance exercise. He noted that fuel quality management requires continuous attention, accuracy, and accountability, given its impact on safety, equipment performance, and customer confidence.

ISO 17025:2017 accreditation confirms a laboratory’s technical competence, reliability of test results, and adherence to a structured quality management system. Regular surveillance assessments form part of the accreditation framework to ensure continued compliance and confidence in laboratory data used for regulatory and operational purposes.

The Francistown laboratory is the only fuel testing facility in Botswana accredited to ISO 17025:2017. It supports Vivo Energy Botswana’s nationwide operations by verifying fuel integrity and monitoring handling processes to ensure products meet required specifications.

Vivo Energy Botswana stated that the reaccreditation also reflects sustained investment in skills development, systems, and continuous improvement. The laboratory operates within the company’s Integrated Management System, aligning quality assurance with safety, environmental management, and operational discipline.