Quality Systems Power Economy
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia — (20-05-2026) — Zambia’s economic transformation and industrialisation agenda cannot succeed without strong, reliable, and coordinated measurement and quality systems that ensure trust, fairness, and efficiency across all sectors.
He said accurate measurement systems underpin governance, industrialisation, and economic transformation, while also strengthening public confidence in regulatory institutions.
Kayumba said Zambia’s industrialisation drive depends on a strong national quality infrastructure system made up of standardisation, accreditation, and conformity assessment.
These systems, he noted, are central to competitiveness, manufacturing growth, trade facilitation, and attracting investment.
“Government recognises that industrialisation cannot succeed without confidence in measurement systems, testing capacity, and regulatory integrity,” he said.
He further linked metrology to the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), saying progress in agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, manufacturing, and exports depends on dependable measurement systems that support productivity, accountability, and efficiency.
In agriculture, Kayumba said accurate measurement ensures fair trade through correct weighing and verification of inputs such as fertilisers and seeds, helping protect farmers and strengthen food security.
In mining, he pointed to laboratory testing, calibration, and regulatory oversight as key to ensuring mineral quality and supporting value addition. In the energy sector, he said measurement accuracy is essential for fair billing, effective regulation, and reliable service delivery.
He also noted that infrastructure development depends on certified measurement systems, particularly in enforcing axle load controls that protect road networks from damage.
The Government, he said, is strengthening cooperation among regulatory bodies through Memoranda of Understanding involving the National Prosecution Authority, the Energy Regulation Board, and the Road Development Agency.
These partnerships aim to improve coordination, enforcement, and information sharing across key sectors.
Kayumba said metrology is a strategic enabler of industrialisation, regional integration, and economic transformation, adding that Government will continue supporting institutions that strengthen quality assurance systems.
He emphasised that metrology remains central to governance, industrial development, and regulatory credibility across the economy.
The commemorations were officially opened with stakeholders calling for sustained investment in Zambia’s quality infrastructure to support long-term economic growth.
He said this during the World Metrology Day 2026 commemoration under the theme “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making.” Nyirongo said measurement systems are essential for trade, infrastructure development, energy accountability, and consumer protection, as they strengthen trust in both markets and public policy.
He said ZMA is being transformed into a modern regulator and a regional centre of excellence aligned to the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).
The agency is strengthening inspections, market surveillance, and petroleum measurement systems to protect consumers and ensure compliance.
Nyirongo added that digital platforms such as electronic certification systems and the Zamportal have improved efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
He also said the agency is investing in laboratories and modern equipment to meet international standards.
He commended the Executive Director for raising Zambia’s profile in global metrology bodies, including AFRIMETS, noting that this has strengthened the country’s voice in international measurement systems and supported trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Nyirongo said ZMA plans to establish a National Metrology Centre of Excellence to strengthen calibration services and scientific capacity.
He said the initiative will improve trade confidence and position Zambia as a regional hub for metrology services. He thanked Government, partners, and stakeholders for continued support.
Speaking during World Metrology Day, Nkobeni said metrology supports key sectors including mining, agriculture, health, aviation, and infrastructure.
He said reliable measurements ensure fairness in fuel sales, mineral exports, food trade, and electricity billing.
“This year’s theme, ‘Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making,’ reminds us that sound decisions depend on accurate data and credible measurement systems,” he said.
Nkobeni said ZMA is modernising its laboratories, inspection systems, and certification processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.
He reported that in the first quarter of 2026, the agency inspected 30 manufacturing facilities, recording a 94.2 percent compliance rate for pre-packaged products.
He added that inspections of measuring instruments recorded a 93.5 percent compliance rate, while imported instruments achieved full compliance.
Retail inspections recorded 93.1 percent compliance for pre-packaged goods and 82.3 percent for measuring instruments.
Nkobeni further said ZMA is preparing to certify weighing scales ahead of the upcoming grain marketing season, covering the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), millers, and private buyers. He thanked Government and development partners for continued support.
Speaking during the commemorations, Dunmill said legal metrology ensures confidence in measurements used in trade, regulation, and public policy.
He explained that it goes beyond commerce, touching everyday fairness—ensuring consumers receive what they pay for and producers are properly compensated.
He noted that metrology is often confused with meteorology (weather science), but clarified that it is the science of measurement and its regulation.
He stressed that reliable measurement systems are also critical in legal processes such as trade disputes and road traffic enforcement, where accurate evidence is essential.
Dunmill highlighted the role of international bodies such as the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), which develop global standards that ensure consistency and trust in measurement systems worldwide.
He said legal metrology has evolved beyond traditional measurements of weight, length, and volume to include environmental monitoring, health systems, energy efficiency, and climate-related measurements.
Dunmill praised Zambia’s participation in regional and international metrology systems, noting that this engagement strengthens credibility, supports industrial growth, and enhances competitiveness in global trade.
He concluded that trust in measurement is not only technical but also a foundation for economic development, consumer protection, and good governance.
Gilbert Phiri, Director of Public Prosecution, said strong leadership and reliable systems are key to national development.
He noted that compliance levels above 90 percent reflect improving institutional performance and encouraged continued progress.
Phiri said the National Prosecution Authority plays an important role in enforcing the law when systems fail, ensuring accountability and order in society.
He explained that effective justice systems prevent breakdown in governance by ensuring responsibilities are followed.
He also referred to the principle of “trust but verify,” stressing that institutions must be both trusted and properly checked.
Phiri said prosecution and governance institutions support development by promoting integrity, fairness, and stability.
Speaking during the 2025–2026 recognition awards ceremony, Nkobeni highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in strengthening legal metrology, promoting fair trade, and improving compliance with national measurement standards.
He said the Zambia Metrology Agency recognised several companies under its Executive Director Recognition Award for active participation in stakeholder engagement activities.
"Their consistent involvement has strengthened collaboration, improved awareness of metrology standards, and supported fair trade and measurement accuracy."
Varun Beverages, Spruceland Technologies, and Weighgrid were recognised for Outstanding Performance due to their continued engagement and support for metrology awareness initiatives.
Elecan Butchery was recognised for strong compliance with metrology standards through timely submission of weighing scales for statutory verification.
The business consistently adheres to legal metrology regulations, reflecting accountability and commitment to fair trade.
Succulent Brands was recognised for innovation through improved packaging and labelling, better extraction methods, and accurate use of measuring instruments.
These practices strengthen product quality, measurement accuracy, and consumer confidence in the SME sector.
Corteva Agriscience was recognised for consistent compliance through timely calibration and submission of instruments, ensuring traceability to national and international standards.
The company recorded no violations during the 2025–2026 review period.
It has also implemented a strong Quality Assurance System for monitoring net content in prepackaged goods, strengthening internal controls and improving inspection outcomes.
Northwold Investments Limited was recognised for innovation in metrology solutions that improve measurement reliability in industrial operations. The company has also supported training and capacity building through collaboration with ZMA.
These efforts have contributed to greater awareness, technical competence, and best industry practices in the sector.
The recognition reflects the Zambia Metrology Agency’s continued commitment to promoting compliance, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
Through collaboration with industry players, the Agency continues to strengthen confidence in measurements, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and trust in the marketplace.
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