From June 19-23, 2023, the EAC Secretariat in partnership with TMA through the USAID-ERRP, successfully held the inaugural Regional Metrology Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Themed ‘Metrology in Health,’ the conference highlighted the pivotal role of measurements in health and various aspects of social, economic, and industrial development activities. It also served as a platform to promote the practical application of measurements in all spheres of life.

Metrology, the science of measurement and its applications, plays a fundamental role in ensuring the accurate and reliable use of measurements in the food industry, particularly in relation to food safety. Metrology supports food safety in key areas, including i) the calibration of measuring instruments;  ii) traceability and accuracy measurements; iii) compliance with regulations and standards; iv) quality control and assurance; v) food product; and vi) research and development. Recognizing the importance of metrology, the EAC established the East African Community Technical Sub-Committee on Metrology (EAMET) to address and coordinate regional metrology-related issues.

The conference brought together stakeholders from the EAC Partner States and provided an opportunity for i) enhancing the understanding of the concept of metrology and how the use of accurate measurements facilitates fair trade within the region; ii) promoting public safety by highlighting the consequences of inaccurate measurements in different sectors; and iii) emphasizing equivalence by underlining measurement comparisons and how to harmonize them. The testing, calibration, and mutual recognition of tests across the EAC will safeguard regional trade and the health of our population.

The conference outcomes, include:

• Supporting member states in their measurement processes through peer reviews and validation to ensure all countries reach a level of parity;
• Policy-level engagement and training for leaders across the member states on the importance of metrology; and
• Establishing the EAC meteorology bill as an umbrella framework for the EAC member states.