The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) was honoured to host an insightful induction session for three newly appointed Directors from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI). The visiting officials included:
• Mr. Simmy Chapula, Director – Coordination and Delivery
• Ms. Namataa Kalaluka, Director – Finance
• Ms. Angelina Mukuka, Director – Human Resource and Administration
This engagement provided a platform to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and ZMA while deepening the Directors’ understanding of the Agency’s critical mandate.
ZMA Executive Director, Mr. Humphrey Nkobeni, provided an in-depth overview of the Agency’s evolution — from its formative years to its establishment under an Act of Parliament in 2017. He outlined the Agency’s central role in regulating measurements across all sectors of the economy, emphasizing the importance of metrology in:
• Daily household commodities like (sugar, cooking oil, mealie meal)
• Environmental protection
• Public health
• Manufacturing and industrial processes
Mr. Nkobeni also highlighted ZMA’s regional and global engagements, including its active membership and leadership roles in:
• SADCMEL (Southern African Development Community Cooperation in Legal Metrology), where Zambia has served as Chairperson for six years
• AFRIMETS, where ZMA was recently elected Vice Chairperson and also appointed Chairperson of the Legal Metrology Technical Committee
• Global affiliations with BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures) and OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology)
The visiting Directors were taken through detailed presentations by ZMA’s Senior Management:
• Dr. Eng. Michael Nsefu, Director – Legal Metrology, provided an overview of the legal framework governing measurements in trade and industry, which ensures consumer protection and fair commerce.
• Mr. Fredrick Hamutunda, Director – Scientific and Industrial Metrology, gave insight into ZMA’s scientific work, including precision measurements that support sectors such as healthcare, energy, mining, and manufacturing. The team also visited the ZMA laboratories housed at Lechwe House, where they observed the sophisticated instruments and testing processes.
• Mrs. Mirriam Chankandila Mhango, Director – Corporate Services, as a support department to the technical department ,institutional structure, staffing levels .
She also outlined current operational challenges and resource needs.
Looking Ahead: Building for the Future
ZMA shared its vision for the future, which includes significant strides in expanding its capabilities and infrastructure. A major highlight of this vision is the planned establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Metrology in Zambia.
This cutting-edge facility will house 22 state-of-the-art laboratories, enabling ZMA to enhance its service delivery in scientific, industrial, and legal metrology. The Centre will be a hub for high-precision testing and calibration, supporting key national sectors and ensuring alignment with international measurement standards.
The Centre of Excellence will also help position Zambia as a regional leader in quality infrastructure, supporting trade facilitation, industrial competitiveness, and consumer protection. It reflects ZMA’s broader commitment to accuracy, safety, and innovation in measurement systems.
ZMA expresses its sincere appreciation to the MCTI Directors for their visit and active engagement. The Agency looks forward to continued collaboration with the Ministry in advancing metrology as a vital enabler of economic growth, public safety, and international trade.
