NMISA Celebrates 150 Years of the Metre Convention: Powering Progress Through Precision

Celebrating World Metrology Day 2025 – “Measurements for all times, for all people”

The National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA), a public entity under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), proudly joins the global scientific community in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, a historic treaty signed in Paris on 20 May 1875 that laid the foundation for today’s global system of measurement.

This momentous occasion will be celebrated around the world on World Metrology Day, under the theme: “Measurements for all times, for all people” – a powerful reminder of how measurement touches every corner of modern life.

Why Measurements Matter to You

Whether you're filling your car with petrol, buying fruit by weight, paying for electricity, or trusting a medical diagnosis, you're relying on measurements. But behind these everyday interactions lies a vast and precise system that ensures fairness, safety, and trust. In South Africa, that system is led by NMISA.

From ensuring the accuracy of your electricity meter, to verifying the fuel dispensed at service stations, and backing the reliability of medical equipment, NMISA works tirelessly to guarantee that every measurement counts. We support national health systems, food safety, trade, manufacturing, and even the energy transition, all through the science of measurement.

A Legacy of Precision. A Future of Innovation

The Metre Convention created the blueprint for international collaboration in measurement, which remains the bedrock of global trade, scientific advancement, and

technological innovation. Today, metrology powers fields as diverse as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and climate science.

At NMISA, we’re not just keeping pace, we’re setting the standard. Our experts are collaborating across the continent to develop emission factors for sustainable agriculture, produce certified reference materials for health laboratories, strengthen forensic science through metrological traceability, and build measurement systems to verify the integrity of green hydrogen. This work ensures that South African products are not only competitive but trusted globally because their measurements are accurate, defensible, and aligned with international benchmarks.

A Call to Celebrate and Engage

World Metrology Day is recognised by UNESCO as a global day of observance, honouring the role of measurement in driving inclusive, sustainable development. This year, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) is hosting a free virtual event from 20–22 May 2025, featuring leading experts and interactive discussions on how metrology shapes economies, industries, and societies. The event will be streamed live and is open to all interested stakeholders. 

As we mark 150 years since the world first united around a single standard of measurement, NMISA invites all South Africans – from students and scientists to entrepreneurs and consumers – to celebrate with us. Because measurement isn’t just about numbers and units. It’s about trust. It’s about fairness. It’s about progress.

Join us in recognising the invisible force that keeps life running smoothly – and discover how NMISA is working behind the scenes to make sure every measure matters.