Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, says accurate measurements and trusted systems are critical in building integrity, accountability and a strong economy.
Speaking during the 2026 World Metrology Day commemorations held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre under the theme “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making,” the learned DPP described the Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) and other regulatory institutions as important partners in safeguarding fairness and public trust.
The commemorations brought together regulators, government institutions, diplomats, industry players and international metrology experts to discuss the importance of accurate measurements in governance, trade and economic development.
During the event, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) signed Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in regulatory enforcement and compliance.
Mr. Phiri formally signed on behalf of the NPA, signalling what he described as the importance of institutions working together to uphold integrity within national systems.
Departing from his prepared speech after listening to presentations on standards, inspections and compliance systems, the DPP spoke candidly about the value of trustworthy systems and the role institutions must play in protecting them.
Quoting former United States President Ronald Reagan, Mr. Phiri told delegates:
“Trust, but verify.”
The statement strongly resonated with the event’s central focus on verification, standards and regulatory credibility.
The DPP noted that while institutions such as ZMA and other regulators work to ensure compliance and fairness in various sectors, the NPA remains a willing partner whenever systems fail and accountability must be enforced.
“The sum total is to build a strong economy and to ensure that there is integrity in our systems,” he said.
In a lighter moment that drew laughter from delegates, the DPP remarked that even biblical teachings recognise the importance of honest measurements.
“As the Bible says, God hates dishonest scales… there is metrology in the Bible,” he joked.
The remarks highlighted the broader significance of legal metrology in everyday life, trade and governance, where accurate measurements help protect consumers, promote fair trade and strengthen confidence in national systems.
This year’s commemorations reinforced the growing recognition that trusted measurements are not merely technical requirements, but essential pillars for economic growth, transparency and national development.
