Dodoma, May 14, 2025. The Tanzanian government, through the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), has verified over 1 million measuring instruments across the country, reaching 99.2 percent of its target for the 2024/2025 financial year.
This progress was shared by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr. Selemani Jafo, when presenting his ministry’s budget estimates before Parliament in Dodoma today.
“In total, WMA verified 1,013,859 instruments out of the planned 1,022,342. Of these, 10,898 were adjusted to ensure accuracy, and 761 were rejected for failing to meet the required standards,” said Dr. Jafo.
He explained that the inspections are part of the government’s efforts to protect consumers and ensure fairness in trade, health, safety, and environmental matters.
WMA not only met its target for regular inspections but also went beyond. A total of 3,293 inspections were conducted, surpassing the goal of 3,000 – an achievement equal to 109.8 percent.
The instruments inspected included fuel pumps, flowmeters used in oil storage tanks, fuel trucks, water meters, various weighing machines, length measuring devices, and trucks transporting building materials like sand and gravel.
“These inspections help to ensure that businesses use accurate and honest measurements when serving customers,” Dr. Jafo added.
In addition to equipment inspections, WMA also monitored the quality and labeling of prepackaged goods. This was done at 13 checkpoints located at the country’s borders and ports.
The checkpoints are located in Sirari (Mara), Mtukula (Kagera), Namanga (Arusha), Holili and Tarakea (Kilimanjaro), Tunduma (Songwe), Horohoro (Tanga), Kasumulu (Mbeya), Kwara and Bagamoyo (Coast Region), Manyovu (Kigoma), and Mbweni and Temeke in Dar es Salaam.
Among the goods inspected were timber, seeds, cooking oil, soap, milk, fruits, sugar, toothpaste, salt, alcoholic drinks, fertilizers, construction materials, gas, electric wires, and bottled water.
“These checks ensure that products are properly packed and labeled before they reach the market, which protects consumers and promotes trust in local and imported goods,” said Dr. Jafo.
Meanwhile, Parliament has approved TZS 135.8 billion for the Ministry of Industry and Trade for the 2025/2026 financial year. Out of this amount, TZS 93.9 billion will be used for day-to-day operations, while TZS 41.9 billion is allocated for development projects.
Dr. Jafo said the budget will help strengthen the ministry’s ability to promote fair trade, support industrial growth, and protect consumer rights across Tanzania.