The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) and Tanzania’s Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) have signed a historic Mutual Recognition Framework Agreement, strengthening regional cooperation and trade. The agreement was formalized yesterday, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve regulatory efficiency, metrology practices, and cross-border trade between the two nations.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, MP, highlighted that the agreement will reduce non-tariff barriers, lower business costs, and improve turnaround times for trade and investment activities. By facilitating mutual recognition of measurements, the agreement is expected to enhance consumer protection, build trust among traders and investors, and improve the integrity of metrology systems in both countries.
Hon. Mulenga emphasized that the framework aligns with the vision of President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania to promote regional economic integration, trade facilitation, and seamless collaboration. He commended the technical teams from both countries for their dedication and urged ZMA and WMA to ensure timely implementation and continuous engagement with stakeholders to achieve measurable results.
Tanzanian Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Lt. Gen. Matthew Edward Mkingule, praised both agencies for their role in advancing regional cooperation. He described the agreement as a testament to the strong partnership between Zambia and Tanzania.
ZMA Executive Director, Mr. Humphrey Nkobeni, noted that the framework would reduce compliance burdens, streamline processes, and strengthen trust in cross-border measurement results, ultimately boosting trade and investment between the two countries. WMA Board Chairperson, Prof. Eliza Alfred Mwakasangula, added that the agreement deepens regional integration and promotes fair trade by improving measurement systems.
The signing of the Mutual Recognition Framework Agreement represents a critical step toward stronger collaboration, improved regulatory efficiency, and enhanced trade relations between Zambia and Tanzania. By harmonizing metrology standards and procedures, both countries are positioned to accelerate economic growth and strengthen their role in regional markets.