Zambia Metrology Agency Conducts Over 18,000 Verifications in Key Economic Sectors

 

Lusaka, Zambia — The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has disclosed that it conducted 18,486 statutory verifications of regulated measuring instruments during the third quarter of 2025, against a target of 19,925.

Speaking during the agency’s third quarter media briefing, ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni said the verifications were carried out across key economic sectors including petroleum, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and retail trade.

Mr. Nkobeni explained that the statutory verifications are part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure accuracy and fairness in trade and industry measurements, which directly impact consumer confidence and business competitiveness.

“These verifications play a critical role in protecting both consumers and businesses by ensuring that measurements used in commercial transactions are accurate and compliant with national standards,” he said.

During the period under review, the agency also conducted compliance inspections of prepackaged products at 33 local manufacturing premises in Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and several other districts.

The inspections covered a range of commodities, yielding the following compliance results which include Mealie meal: 98%, Agricultural fertilizers: 98.4%, Agricultural seeds: 97.4, Edible oil: 99.6% and Bread: 89.4%.

Mr. Nkobeni noted that while overall compliance levels were commendably high, the agency would continue engaging with manufacturers to address areas of concern, particularly in the bread category where compliance was below 90%.

In addition, ZMA received five consumer complaints during the quarter. These included cases of under-delivery of fuel, inaccurate bulk flow meters, and substandard roofing sheets found to be thinner than their declared specifications.

Mr. Nkobeni reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing metrology standards across the country, emphasizing that accurate measurement is vital for fair trade, consumer protection, and industrial development.

“We remain dedicated to strengthening market surveillance and ensuring that all measuring instruments and prepackaged goods on the market meet the required standards,” he said.

The Zambia Metrology Agency operates under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and is mandated to promote uniform measurement standards to support national development and consumer protection.

By Samuel Mbewe