EAC embarks on evaluating progress in standards harmonisation, quality assurance, metrology

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The Acting Director General of Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), David Ndibalema.

ARUSHA: THE East African Community (EAC) Standards Committee has convened a four-day meeting in Arusha to evaluate progress in the implementation of programmes focusing on standards harmonisation, quality assurance, metrology, and testing across the region.

The meeting, which started yesterday, is also expected to review achievements attained so far and prepare an implementation roadmap for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Speaking to DailyNews at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, the Acting Director General of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), who also serves as the Director of Standards Development, David Ndibalema said the 28th session of the committee was organised by the EAC Secretariat.

He explained that the gathering brings together representatives from EAC member states, technical subcommittees, development partners, as well as national and international institutions responsible for standards development and harmonisation.

Ndibalema noted that the meeting reflects the region’s continued commitment to strengthening cooperation through effective systems of quality assurance, standards harmonisation, metrology, and testing.

According to him, the initiatives are aimed at accelerating industrial growth, protecting consumers, eliminating non-tariff barriers, and enhancing the competitiveness of goods and services within the EAC bloc and global markets.

He further stated that the meeting seeks to facilitate trade and improve the movement of goods and services across borders while supporting industrial development within the region.

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Ndibalema added that the EAC Standards Committee is mandated to coordinate and oversee activities implemented under the East African Community Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act of 2006.

For her part, the Chairperson of the meeting and Deputy Executive Director of Standards at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Patricia Ejalu said the primary role of standards bureaus within the EAC is to safeguard public health and safety while ensuring fair trade practices.

“The populations are growing, and they are looking to standards bodies for guidance on how best to sustainably manage and utilise resources,” she said.

Meanwhile, the East African Community Secretariat’s Director of Customs and Acting Director of Trade, Ms Flavia Busingye assured the Committee of Standards of the Secretariat’s continued cooperation to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate.