Cross-Border Standards Harmonised
Zambia and Tanzania sign a pact to remove duplication in fuel and goods measurement checks and strengthen cooperation in legal metrology.
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia — (11-12-2025)
Zambia and Tanzania have harmonised their cross-border measurement standards through a new Mutual Recognition Framework Agreement (MRFA) designed to eliminate duplication in fuel and goods measurement checks and strengthen cooperation in legal metrology between the two countries and reduce verification disputes, cut delays at border points, and improve the efficiency of trade across the region.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, said the agreement fulfils the directive of the two Heads of State to resolve recurring cross-border measurement challenges.
He explained that Zambia and Tanzania have long operated parallel systems that often rejected each other’s certificates.
Hon. Mulenga added that harmonisation will support the establishment of one-stop border posts and create a more predictable environment for the movement of fuel tankers, industrial equipment, and other goods.
He described the agreement as a symbol of renewed trust between the two nations and called for continued collaboration to ensure products from both sides are treated with confidence.
He also emphasised that regional cooperation is central to Africa’s economic growth and urged regulators to implement the agreement for smoother and more transparent border operations.
Mr. Humphrey Nkobeni, Executive Director of ZMA, described the pact as more than a bilateral achievement, calling it a decisive step toward a harmonized regional measurement ecosystem.
He highlighted that the agreement would eliminate operational bottlenecks, instill confidence among regulators, businesses, and consumers, and ensure internationally aligned measurement systems.
The agreement will be implemented through four main pillars: the harmonization of verification systems for dispensers, tanker trucks, and pipelines; mutual recognition of measurement certificates to reduce costs and inspection delays; joint technical missions and capacity-building initiatives; and regulatory consistency through standardized procedures to support predictable trade flows.
“For industry, transporters, and drivers, this agreement represents a giant step toward reduced compliance, faster processing, and stronger credibility in measurement results. For consumers, it ensures fair measurements and trust in trade,” Mr. Nkobeni said.
He further acknowledged the contributions of Professor Eliza Alfred Mwakasangula, Chairperson of WMA’s Ministerial Advisory Board, and the technical teams of both agencies, while also commending ZMA staff for their dedication in maintaining measurement integrity across Zambia.
Mr. Alban Mark Kihulla, Chief Executive Officer of WMA, described the agreement as a “bridge” connecting the two nations’ shared aspirations for accurate measurement, fair trade, consumer protection, and regional economic growth.
He emphasized that the signing was the beginning of a new era of cooperation, building on previous collaboration under the SADC and Afrimets platforms.
The WMA CEO noted that the agreement will be operationalized through a joint implementation plan, technical committees, and annual review meetings to ensure progress and address challenges.
“This collaboration reflects our collective commitment to international best practices and ensures that our measurement systems meet global standards of integrity and reliability,” Mr. Kihulla said.
The agreement is expected to enhance efficiency along trade corridors, reduce inspection duplication, and foster trust in measurement systems, benefiting both the private sector and consumers in Zambia and Tanzania.
Mr. Musamala Josia Nyirongo, ZMA Board Chairperson, described the MRFA as “more than a ceremony—it is a strategic affirmation of our shared commitment to a harmonized, trusted, and efficient regional measurement ecosystem.”
Mr. Nyirongo explained that the agreement aims to ensure technical alignment with Tanzania’s Weights and Measures Agency, guaranteeing that measurement systems at border points and retail stations are consistent and reliable.
It also seeks to minimize measurement disputes and create predictability in cross-border fuel transactions, while strengthening transparency and trust in the petroleum value chain, which is vital for sustainable economic growth.
The MRFA provides for mutual recognition of standards, test results, and calibration outcomes between the two countries.
To achieve this, verification and calibration protocols will be aligned, systems interoperability enhanced, and compliance costs reduced, facilitating smoother cross-border trade.
Mr. Nyirongo emphasized that joint capacity building, technical missions, and knowledge exchange will underpin the partnership.
These initiatives include training programs for inspectors and scientific personnel, collaborative field verification and proficiency testing to ensure uniform regulatory enforcement, and the establishment of expert networks to rapidly address technical challenges between the ZMA and Tanzania’s agency.
He added that the agreement will also promote fair trade, strengthen consumer confidence in the accuracy of measurements, and support national and regional industrialization strategies by aligning systems with international best practices.
“The MRFA positions Zambia and Tanzania as leaders in regional metrology cooperation,” Mr. Nyirongo said.
“It streamlines trade facilitation, reduces trading variances, and ensures we remain responsive to evolving regional economic demands.”
Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the MRFA would serve as a foundation for sustained, mutually beneficial collaboration that promotes prosperity, fairness, and shared economic growth.
The agreement was hailed as a model of regional cooperation that strengthens trust, deepens integration, and enhances the integrity of national institutions.
She noted that trusted measurement systems underpin everything from fueling stations and food scales to medical equipment and industrial instruments.
“This cooperation will strongly support the Tanzanian industrialization agenda, trade facilitation efforts, and socio-economic transformation,” Prof. Mwakasangula said, emphasizing that the agreement also contributes to Africa’s broader vision for seamless movement of goods through reliable metrology systems.
Under the framework, both countries will recognize each other’s measurement results, type approvals, calibration and verification certificates, and collaborate on capacity building, research, and technical engagement.
Annual reviews and continued oversight will ensure effective implementation of the agreement, she added.
Prof. Mwakasangula expressed gratitude to the Zambian hosts for their hospitality and to all stakeholders from both countries who contributed to the successful development and signing of the framework.
She also highlighted the potential for future cross-border research projects, exchange programmes for experts and young professionals, and harmonized regional inspection procedures.
“This is a beginning of a deeper partnership defined by openness, mutual respect, and forward-looking collaboration,” Prof. Mwakasangula said.
“The success of this agreement will lie in our continued engagement, regular reviews, and the collective will to follow through on the commitment we formalize today.”
The signing marks a new chapter in Zambia-Tanzania relations, building on decades of shared borders, trade corridors, and cultural ties.
"he agreement is expected to enhance industrial competitiveness, boost consumer confidence, and facilitate smoother trade across the region."
He described the pact as “a historic milestone in legal metrology cooperation” and a strategic tool for economic growth.
“The MoU enhances trade, improves understanding of our industries, and strengthens our shared vision for regional growth, competitiveness, and consumer protection,” Ambassador Mkingule said.
The agreement also promotes joint training, capacity building, technical expertise exchange, research, innovation, and information sharing to improve measurement accuracy and traceability.
The initiatives align with commitments under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the African Union, supporting intra-Africa trade and market integration.
“Trade is driven by trust, and trust is secured in measurement. When industries, traders, and consumers have confidence in certified systems, cross-border trade becomes faster and more efficient,” the ambassador said.
Ambassador Mkingule reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to fully implement the agreement, including joint planning, legal reviews, and active participation in shared legal metrology initiatives. He also praised Zambian authorities for their dedication to excellence in the sector.
The signing ceremony brought together senior government officials, board chairpersons, CEOs, and media representatives.
The ambassador thanked Zambia for its hospitality and said the agreement opens doors for increased trade, reduced technical barriers, and expanded industrial opportunities.
“Cooperation is not just a political aspiration; it is practical, achievable, and beneficial. It has happened; it is happening,” he said.
The agreement is expected to strengthen confidence in measurements, facilitate smoother trade, and deepen economic ties between Zambia and Tanzania.
Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia representative Benson Tembo welcomed the agreement as a long-awaited solution.
He said discrepancies in fuel measurements at the Dar es Salaam port and at border points have caused financial losses, penalties, and even imprisonment of drivers.
Tembo thanked authorities in both countries for addressing transporters’ concerns and said the sector expects a new era of fairness, accuracy, and predictable operations.
The signing ceremony ended with a joint commitment from both nations. Officials affirmed that the MRFA marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation and pledged full implementation of the framework.
They also committed to continued collaboration in legal metrology to support fair trade, consumer protection, and regional integration.
Witnessed by government officials, regulators, diplomats, and industry stakeholders, the agreement represents a major step toward improving trade efficiency and resolving disputes linked to differing metrology practices.
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