The National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) has entered into strategic cooperation agreements with the National Institute of Metrology (NIM) of China and the Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (INMETRO) of Brazil.

The agreements pave the way for joint research, the development of certified reference materials (CRMs), international inter-laboratory comparisons and the exchange of scientific expertise.

These efforts are aimed at enhancing South Africa’s measurement infrastructure in line with global standards, which is an essential requirement for quality assurance, innovation and fair trade.

The memoranda of understanding (MoUs) will foster scientific collaboration and strengthen South Africa’s measurement capabilities in support of industrial development and trade competitiveness, the NMISA says.

“Through these partnerships, the NMISA can accelerate the localisation of accurately characterised CRMs and calibration services, thereby directly supporting South African industries in achieving international conformity and accessing export markets,” says NMISA acting CEO Dr Jessie Pillay.

The collaboration with INMETRO builds on a long-standing strategic partnership between Brazil and South Africa, with a renewed focus on research exchange, training of scientists and mutual recognition of measurement certificates.

Further, the agreement with NIM brings new opportunities for bilateral comparisons of national measurement standards and cooperative projects that also benefit other developing countries.

By strengthening ties with peer institutions in major emerging economies, the NMISA reinforces its role as a regional centre of excellence in metrology.

These partnerships also contribute to broader national goals, including the re-industrialisation of the economy, regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the development of science and innovation ecosystems, the NMISA says.

The implementation of each MoU will be guided by individual project agreements to ensure mutual benefit, intellectual property protection and long-term sustainability.