ZMA Calls for Metrology-Led Industrialisation Across SADC Region
The Executive Director of the Zambia Metrology Agency, Humphrey Nkobeni, has called for a strategic repositioning of metrology as a key driver of industrialisation, trade and economic transformation across the Southern African Development Community.
Mr Nkobeni made the remarks in his capacity as Chairperson of SADCMEL when he officially opened the Joint SADCMEL/SADCMET Training Workshop on OIML D1 National Metrology Systems in Johannesburg.
The workshop, running from 21 to 24 April 2026, has brought together senior policymakers and technical experts from all 16 SADC member states, alongside international specialists.
In his keynote address, Mr Nkobeni stressed that metrology, defined as the science of measurement, must move from the periphery to the centre of national development agendas. He said no country can industrialise, sustain economic growth or build trust in trade without credible and robust measurement systems.
“Metrology is not a peripheral technical function, but a core system underpinning national quality infrastructure, industrial competitiveness, consumer protection and regional integration,” he said.
Highlighting the region’s economic potential, Mr Nkobeni noted that SADC, with a population exceeding 360 million people, holds vast opportunities. However, he cautioned that weak metrology systems continue to hinder trade efficiency, industrial growth and market confidence.
He identified the OIML D1 Model Law, developed by the International Organization of Legal Metrology, as a critical tool for strengthening national metrology frameworks, establishing effective institutions and improving regulatory systems.
Mr Nkobeni urged regional leaders to reposition metrology from a compliance requirement to a catalyst for economic growth, from a purely technical discipline to a strategic enabler of industrialisation, and from a marginal function to a central pillar of policy.
The workshop has convened Director Generals, Chief Executive Officers and senior technical leaders in both legal and scientific metrology, including experts from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and other global institutions.
Participants are expected to share experiences, align systems and develop harmonised frameworks aimed at improving trade flows, strengthening standards and accelerating economic development across the region.
In a strong call to action, Mr Nkobeni emphasised that the region’s development agenda requires collective responsibility.
“This is not aspiration. It is our assignment. This is not aspiration. It is our collective responsibility,” he said.
He further challenged delegates to demonstrate the real-world impact of metrology through practical case studies showing how measurement systems are contributing to people, the planet and prosperity.
Mr Nkobeni also expressed appreciation to cooperating partners, including PTB, OIML, BIPM, SADCMEL and SADCMET, as well as supporting institutions such as NRCS and NMISA, for their continued support in advancing metrology in the region.
Concluding his address, he highlighted the urgency of action.
“If we get metrology right, we do not just support industrialisation, we power it. The time is now. The responsibility is ours. The future will measure what we do next,” he said, before officially declaring the workshop open.
