The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Tanzania’s measurement systems as part of broader efforts to build a competitive industrial economy, attract investment, and improve the quality of goods and services available to citizens.
Speaking at the closing of the 2026 World Metrology Day celebrations in Dodoma on May 20, Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo, said accurate and reliable measurements are critical for industrial growth, fair trade, consumer protection, and evidence-based policymaking.
He said the Sixth Phase Government is determined to modernise the country’s systems of measurement in order to strengthen Tanzania’s position in regional and global markets while supporting the country’s industrialisation agenda.
“Without accurate measurements, there can be no trusted business environment, no competitive industries, and no reliable economic planning,” Mr Londo said.
He noted that the government will continue improving legal and policy frameworks to ensure businesses and industries operate using nationally and internationally recognised measurement standards.
According to the deputy minister, reliable measurements are not only important for factories and manufacturing industries, but also for everyday life, including trade, healthcare, technology, and public services.
He said proper measurement systems help improve efficiency in industries, support innovation, protect consumers from fraud, and strengthen confidence in Tanzanian products in international markets.
“When we talk about building an industrial Tanzania with competitive products and quality services, we must understand that the foundation lies in accurate and trustworthy measurements,” he stressed.
Mr Londo linked the importance of measurement science to Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, saying the country cannot achieve a technology-driven and industrial economy without modern laboratories, internationally recognised standards, and skilled professionals in the field of metrology.
He added that the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan continues investing in institutions responsible for quality control and measurement systems to ensure wananchi receive goods and services that match the value of the money they spend.
The deputy minister directed the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) to continue protecting consumers and ensuring fairness in trade by preventing cheating through improper measurements.
He also tasked the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) with strengthening national laboratories, accreditation systems, and measurement verification processes in line with international standards.
At the same time, he urged the College of Business Education (CBE) to expand programmes related to quality assurance, measurements, and policy analysis in order to prepare professionals who can support Tanzania’s economic transformation.
Mr Londo emphasised that strong national policies cannot be built on assumptions, but must rely on accurate scientific data generated through credible measurement systems.
He further noted that accurate measurements help policymakers identify the real causes of economic and social challenges instead of merely addressing their effects.
Officials from WMA, TBS, and CBE said the annual World Metrology Day celebrations continue to raise awareness about the importance of accurate measurements in business, healthcare, science, and national development.
World Metrology Day is commemorated every year on May 20 to mark the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875, which laid the foundation for global cooperation in measurement science.
