State-owned research body the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (Nmisa) has called on fellow academic institutions, governments in Africa, industry and retired metrologists to join hands with the institute in expanding the metrology knowledge base in Africa.

Metrologists use precise measurements in science and industry to ensure processes and products meet high standards. Particularly, Nmisa provides confidence that measurements in South Africa are accurate, comparable and internationally accepted.

For example, the quality of drinking water, the monitoring of air pollution, food safety and health and law enforcement all require the measurement foundation that Nmisa provides.

Metrology specialists also facilitate fair trade by enabling harmonised documentary standards, consistent measurement standards and internationally accepted certificates. This is especially relevant as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) takes shape.

Nmisa CEO Ndwakhulu Samuel Mukhufhi says more trade will result in a greater need for testing laboratories, or “reference labs” in each of the main continental areas, including West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa, to help inform regulation.

Nmisa is in the process of shaping the Africa Reference Institute (ARI), which serves as an aggregator between the metrology sector, academia, business and other training sectors.

Through its training centre, Nmisa provides world-class metrology training adapted for the South African and African environment. Nmisa offers courses in physical and electrical metrology, as well as chemical material and medical metrology.

The training facility contains precision measuring instruments and calibration systems, enabling companies’ employees, for example, to gain experience in a real-world setting and allowing them to put their knowledge into practice, while improving the quality and accuracy of products.

“Having the AfCFTA in mind, we are looking to partner with all industry sectors, and aggregate and translate academic learning into a deeper footprint in Africa. We have to tap into and grow the knowledge base, lest it withers away. Not sharing knowledge does not serve anyone well over the long term.

“We are, therefore, reaching out to fellow metrology laboratories, clinical health shops, associations, national laboratory services, government regulators and even the South African police force to partner with us. Ultimately, we are creating a platform for young scientists and engineers to realise their potential and share it with more people,” Nmisa sates.

Mukhufhi emphasises the importance of scientific diplomacy – scientific advice and evidence to inform and support decision-making in policies, and thereby directly promoting the country’s interests and dealing with complex issues.

The ARI is focused on providing solutions and not just measurement standards and testing, he concludes.