Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry says Zambia’s continued partnership with Chinese Metrology Institutions will help advance science, technology, innovation and industrial development in the country.
Speaking in Lusaka during a bilateral meeting between Zambia Metrology Agency and Changcheng Institute of Metrology & Measurements (CIMM), Permanent Secretary, Lilian Bwalya, said China remains one of Zambia’s most trusted and dependable development partners, and government deeply values the enduring friendship.
Mrs. Bwalya stated that the collaboration dates back to December 2025, when ZMA undertook a technical mission to China aimed at establishing strategic partnerships and strengthening the country’s national measurement infrastructure.
She explained that during the mission, ZMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s National Institute of Metrology, marking the beginning of enhanced technical cooperation between the two countries. “That milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in technical cooperation between our two countries,” Mrs. Bwalya said.
Mrs. Bwalya said Zambia also values the opportunity to collaborate with CIMM, particularly in areas such as capacity building, technology transfer, research, laboratory development, digital metrology and innovation. “We are confident that your expertise, experience and technical guidance will greatly assist Zambia in strengthening its measurement infrastructure, expanding technical capacity and supporting our country’s industrialisation agenda,” she stated.
She noted that the two institutions are expected to formalize their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding, which will provide a framework for long-term collaboration, thereby strengthening measurement science and contribute to sustainable industrial development in both Zambia and China.
And ZMA Board Chairperson, Musamala Nyirongo, said the Agency is seeking technical input and support from China’s CIMM to establish a Metrology Centre of Excellence in Lusaka, which is intended to position the Agency among the leading metrology institutions in Africa and globally. “The ZMA has prioritized its support to key sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, Petroleum and healthcare. Success in each of these sectors depends on strong and reliable measurement systems,” he said.
Mr. Nyirongo also disclosed that ZMA plans to establish Petroleum Tanker Truck Verification Centres in Lusaka and Ndola, stressing that the Agency would like CIMM’s input, advice and support on the projects.
Meanwhile, ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni said the Agency has identified laboratory modernization, technology transfer, digital transformation, research and innovation as key areas of potential collaboration with the CIMM.
Mr. Nkobeni stated that ZMA is seeking a partnership that will move beyond dialogue and cooperation to deliver practical results for Zambia’s measurement infrastructure.
He noted that the proposed collaboration will include the development and modernization of metrology laboratories, specialised training, technical exchanges and attachments for Zambian metrologists.
Mr. Nkobeni further said Zambia also sees significant potential for cooperation in the digital transformation of metrology, particularly as emerging technologies continue to change the global measurement landscape. “Infrastructure and sophisticated equipment are important, but ultimately it is skilled people who sustain a national measurement system. We therefore look forward to specialised training, technical exchanges and attachments for our metrologists,” Mr. Nkobeni said.
He added that the partnership could further strengthen measurement capabilities in sectors critical to Zambia’s economic transformation, including mining, energy, manufacturing, agriculture and health.
At the same event, CIMM Deputy Director, Professor Han Yizhong reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Zambia in metrology, with a focus on mutual standards development, digital laboratories and skills development.
Prof. Han said the partnership provides an opportunity for the two countries to exchange expertise and strengthen Zambia’s national measurement system, noting that CIMM has expertise in cutting-edge metrology research, standards development and industrial metrology calibration. “We look forward to carrying out substantive cooperation in the development of mutuality standards improvement, construction of digital laboratories, personnel training, and other fields,” he said.
