Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Industry at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, has urged African economies to adopt internationally recognized and accurate measurement standards. During the opening of the 17th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) in Nairobi, Dr. Mukhwana stressed the importance of standardizing products to boost intra-Africa trade and access global markets.
The assembly, themed “Measurement for Sustainability,” attracted delegates from across the continent.
Dr. Mukhwana highlighted that despite Africa’s youthful population and abundant raw materials, the continent imports 85 percent of its manufactured products. He emphasized the need for Africa to develop metrology systems and policies that support industrialization, enabling the continent to consume more of its own production.
“Africa must prioritize accurate and reliable measurements to accelerate and promote industrialization and trade,” Dr. Mukhwana stated. “As we develop these measurements, we need to ask ourselves what difference they will make to our people.” He noted that accurate measurements are fundamental to quality infrastructure and impact various aspects of life, including industry, innovation, commerce, and conservation.
Dr. Mukhwana pointed out that Africa’s commodity-based economies, which rely heavily on extractives and agricultural exports, need a robust measurement foundation to thrive.
Accompanied by National Standards Council member Ms. Nyaboke Nyabonyi and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Director of Quality Assurance and Inspection Dr. Geoffrey Muriira, Dr. Mukhwana acknowledged Africa’s challenge in keeping pace with technological advancements and meeting health, safety, and environmental requirements.
He emphasized that the continent’s ability to prove measurement equivalence and provide analytical assurances for export products is crucial.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Mukhwana expressed optimism that AFRIMETS, in association with 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), can facilitate international linkages to create a favorable environment for trade and sustainable development.
Through closer collaboration, he believes African economies can achieve industrial growth, eliminate technical barriers to trade, and boost exports to developed countries.
Dr. Mukhwana reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to accurate measurements, noting that the country is enacting a National Quality Infrastructure policy to establish a legal framework for streamlining and enhancing national standardization, metrology, and accreditation matters.
Dr. Muriira, representing KEBS Managing Director Mrs. Esther Ngari, highlighted KEBS’s broad mandate to provide accurate measurements for the country’s developing economy and support sustainability in industrial production.
He underscored the importance of accurate measurements in fostering sustainable development, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring environmental stewardship.
Dr. Muriira also noted that metrology has become increasingly significant for the continent as it implements the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a single market for goods and services, facilitating the free movement of businesspersons and investments. With proper metrology measures, African products can meet global standards, eliminating technical barriers, reducing costs, and enhancing credibility, thus opening new markets and driving economic growth and development across the continent.
