In a significant push towards enhancing economic growth across the African continent, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Industry at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, has emphasized the critical need for African economies to adopt accurate and internationally accepted measurement standards. Speaking at the 17th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) hosted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in Nairobi, Dr. Mukhwana urged African nations to standardize their products to boost intra-Africa trade and tap into global markets effectively.
The General Assembly, themed “Measurement for Sustainability,” brought together delegates from across Africa to discuss the importance of metrology—the science of measurement—in driving industrialization and economic growth. Dr. Mukhwana’s address underscored the vital role that precise measurements play in enhancing the quality of products and ensuring they meet international standards.
Despite Africa’s youthful population and abundant raw materials, the continent remains heavily dependent on foreign markets for approximately 85% of its manufactured products. This reliance highlights the urgent need for African countries to develop robust metrology systems and policies that can support industrialization and promote local consumption of produced goods.
Dr. Mukhwana highlighted that accurate measurements are foundational to quality infrastructure and have far-reaching effects on various sectors, from industry and commerce to innovation and environmental conservation. He noted that metrology is not only essential for sustainable growth but also crucial for addressing challenges related to technological advancements, health, safety, and environmental sustainability.
“Africa’s commodity-based economies, which largely rely on extractives and agricultural exports, cannot thrive without a solid measurement foundation,” Dr. Mukhwana emphasized. He stressed that effective metrology systems are necessary for proving measurement equivalence and providing analytical assurances for export products. This capability is fundamental for meeting international standards and removing technical barriers to trade.
The Principal Secretary expressed optimism about AFRIMETS’ role in facilitating international linkages through partnerships with organizations such as the Pan African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI), the African Standards Organisation (ARSO), the Inter-African Cooperation for Accreditation (AFRAC), and the African Electrotechnical Standardisation Commission (AFSEC). These collaborations are expected to create a conducive environment for trade and sustainable development across the continent.
In addition, Dr. Mukhwana announced Kenya’s commitment to advancing metrology by enacting a National Quality Infrastructure policy. This policy aims to establish a legal framework to streamline and enhance the efficiency of the country’s national standardization, metrology, and accreditation efforts. The move reflects Kenya’s dedication to supporting industrial growth and sustainability through accurate measurement practices.
Dr. Geoffrey Muriira, Director of Quality Assurance and Inspection at KEBS, reiterated the importance of accurate measurements in fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life. He noted that metrology plays a crucial role in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single continental market for goods and services, as well as facilitate the free movement of businesspersons and investments.
According to Dr. Muriira, with proper metrology measures in place, African products can be compared against global standards, thereby eliminating technical barriers to trade. This alignment will reduce costs and enhance the credibility of African products in international markets, opening new opportunities for trade and economic growth.
The AFRIMETS General Assembly served as a reminder of the importance of metrology in achieving Africa’s economic potential. Accurate measurements are not just technical requirements but essential tools for driving industrialization, ensuring product quality, and fostering sustainable development. As African economies continue to grow and integrate more deeply into the global market, embracing international measurement standards will be crucial for unlocking the continent’s full economic potential and improving the lives of its people.
