ZMA Drives Market Integrity

“Achieves 99% Performance, Gains Global Recognition for Excellence in Measurement Standards and Fair Trade”

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24, (November 13, 2025) -- The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has reported strong third-quarter performance for 2025, achieving high compliance levels, international recognition, and progress in consumer protection and fair trade.

Presenting the report at Best Western Hotel in Lusaka, ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni said the agency achieved a 99 percent cumulative performance rate in verifying regulated measuring instruments, reflecting its commitment to accuracy and reliability across key economic sectors.

Nkobeni said Zambia’s reputation in metrology had improved significantly following his appointment to the Presidential Council of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) during its 59th session in Paris, France, in October 2025.

He said the appointment underscored international confidence in Zambia’s measurement systems and elevated the country’s voice in global metrology. 

“This appointment is not only a personal honour but also a recognition of Zambia’s commitment to credible legal metrology systems,” he said.

Nkobeni noted that Zambia now holds the Vice Presidency of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) and the Chairmanship of the SADC Cooperation in Legal Metrology (SADCMEL), strengthening its regional and international standing.

He added that ZMA received the OIML CEEMS Award for its contribution to measurement accuracy, consumer protection, and fair trade — a recognition he attributed to the professionalism of ZMA staff and the support of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

During the quarter, ZMA conducted 18,486 statutory verifications against a target of 19,925, achieving 93 percent. 

Cumulatively, 57,221 instruments were verified, representing 99 percent of the annual target.

He said the verifications covered sectors such as petroleum, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and retail. 

The agency recorded over-performance in several categories, including petroleum bulk flow meters (115%), manufacturing dispensers (122%), tanker trucks (193%), and proportional weights (686%).

“These results demonstrate our commitment to fair trade and measurement integrity, which build trust in Zambia’s market systems,” Nkobeni said.

He stated that ZMA also conducted compliance inspections at 33 manufacturing premises in Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and other districts, covering 231,524 prepackaged products and achieving a 93.4 percent compliance rate. 

"High compliance levels were recorded in cement, cooking oil, fertilizer, and mealie meal, while some products such as tile fix, wall plaster, and coolant were quarantined for non-compliance," he noted

Nkobeni said through the Zambia Electronic Single Window (ZESW) platform, the agency inspected 251,139 imported prepackaged goods and 2,105 imported measuring instruments, with compliance above 98 percent.

He announced that ZMA had introduced a new Metrology Inspection Scheme, aligned with the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2027, to promote accuracy, fairness, and compliance in trade. 

“The scheme will enhance consumer confidence, reduce disputes, and improve competitiveness among local enterprises,” he said.

Nkobeni said ZMA intensified enforcement during the quarter, addressing unverified instruments, unauthorized fuel offloading, and under-filled prepackaged goods. 

"Five consumer complaints were resolved, and seven enforcement actions were taken in the petroleum and manufacturing sectors," he said.

He further revealed that 285 technicians were licensed, including 76 newly certified, and 79 companies were registered under the agency’s metrology framework. 

ZMA also calibrated 1,396 instruments, exceeding its quarterly target of 1,037 by 135 percent, and participated in international comparisons to align national standards with global benchmarks.

He said Zambia’s dimensional metrology capabilities are now listed on the BIPM Key Comparison Database, placing the country among globally recognized institutions.

Nkobeni also announced the launch of the 2025 ZMA Media Awards, which will honour journalists who promote public awareness of measurement integrity and fair trade.

"Submissions covering January to December 2025 should be sent to mediaawards@zma.org.zm."

He concluded by reaffirming ZMA’s commitment to efficiency, compliance, and partnerships that support industrial growth.

“As we close the year, our goal remains to build a trusted measurement system that drives Zambia’s industrialisation and economic transformation,” he said.