ZMA Strategic achievements

       

... Setting New Benchmarks for Industry and Trade in Zambia

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka,  Zambia  –  (23-01-2024) - The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024 by securing accreditation under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025 standard, which recognizes its calibration and testing laboratories at an international level.

According to ZMA’s Executive Director, Humphrey Nkobeni, this accreditation enhances Zambia’s competitiveness in global trade by ensuring that the agency’s calibration services meet global standards.

Nkobeni explained in a media briefing that the accreditation signifies that "the agency’s calibration certificates are now internationally recognized."

He further noted that ZMA’s services are now listed in the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) database, aligning Zambia’s measurement systems with global standards.

This recognition will play a vital role in supporting Zambia’s industrial sector and promoting fair trade practices.

ZMA’s 2024 achievements also include a significant increase in the issuance of type approval certificates for new measurement instruments.

The agency issued 17 certificates in 2024, up from just one in 2023. Nkobeni explained that this marks an important step in regulating the entry of measurement instruments into Zambia’s market, ensuring that they meet safety, technical, and performance standards.

In addition to these accomplishments, ZMA also certified mobile and fixed speed enforcement cameras, which are now approved for use by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).

Nkobeni emphasized that these cameras are essential for enhancing road safety by ensuring adherence to speed limits.

ZMA’s performance in 2024 has exceeded expectations.

The agency calibrated 3,750 instruments, surpassing its target of 3,411, marking a 13.5% increase from the previous year.

Additionally, ZMA completed 72,209 statutory verifications, exceeding the target of 69,199.

Nkobeni attributed this success to the growing demand for metrology services across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, highlighting the increasing recognition of the importance of accurate measurements.

The agency’s market surveillance efforts have also been impressive.

ZMA conducted inspections on over 924,000 locally produced goods, achieving a compliance rate of 96%.

Imported goods showed even greater compliance, with 99% meeting established standards, up from 98.8% in 2023. Nkobeni underscored how these efforts play a crucial role in ensuring fair trade and protecting consumers.

Nkobeni further emphasized ZMA’s contribution to Zambia’s agricultural sector, where the agency ensures that both locally produced and imported agricultural inputs meet the necessary quality standards, promoting food security.

In the mining sector, ZMA calibrated equipment used in mineral extraction and trade, enhancing Zambia’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Additionally, the agency verified fuel dispensers and bulk fuel terminals in the energy sector, contributing to greater transparency and consumer trust.

ZMA’s financial performance also saw significant growth in 2024, with the agency generating K135,021,450 in revenue, a 36% increase from the previous year.

Nkobeni attributed this growth to the rising demand for metrology services and increasing awareness of the agency’s role in promoting fair trade and consumer protection.

However, the agency did face challenges. Nkobeni acknowledged that over 2.5 million instruments were found to be out of compliance, largely due to delays in businesses submitting instruments for verification and type approval.

Looking ahead to 2025, ZMA plans to expand its services and infrastructure.

The agency is set to begin construction of the Petroleum Tank Calibration Center and the Metrology Center of Excellence in Lusaka, both of which will serve Zambia and the Southern African region.

Additionally, ZMA plans to digitize its services further and migrate to the Government Service Portal, making its metrology services more accessible to businesses and consumers.

With these developments, ZMA is poised to solidify its position as a regional leader in metrology and continue contributing to Zambia’s economic growth.

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