Govt eyes local metrology expertise for competitiveness
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has highlighted the need to build local expertise in metrology and measurements to reduce reliance on foreign specialists and enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in the East African labour market.
The statement was delivered recently by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, during his visit to the College of Business Education (CBE), where he inspected preparations for the institution’s 60th anniversary celebrations, set to take place today at the Dar es Salaam main campus.
“By developing a skilled workforce in metrology, the government aims to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and global competitiveness of industries,” he stated.
He said the move not only strengthens the nation’s self-sufficiency in measurement and calibration but also supports sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare, ensuring that local industries can meet international standards and foster sustainable economic growth.
Minister Jafo also toured the construction site of the metrology complex at the College of Business Education, which, upon completion, will house over 4,000 students, along with laboratories, lecture halls and metrology workshops.
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He announced that the government has invested 24 billion shillings in the project, aimed at cultivating local expertise and reducing reliance on foreign specialists.
“I urge students in the country to seize this opportunity and pursue these studies, as we need more local experts. We must stop depending on outsiders and start producing our own,” he emphasised.
Dr Jafo praised the CBE management for initiating the construction, highlighting that it will provide an enhanced, conducive environment for students in the field to study more effectively and in a peaceful setting.
“I applaud the site supervisors for the 50 per cent progress, and the work is advancing well. However, the contractor must focus on quality by ensuring all equipment is tested in our laboratories, while the government’s consulting engineer should closely monitor the project to ensure quality standards are met,” he emphasised.
The government has invested in educational infrastructure to ensure that students receive quality education aligned with the demands of science and technology.
CBE Rector, Prof Edda Lwoga, announced that the Metrology Complex will feature lecture halls, workshops, and laboratories, with capacity for over 4,000 students.
“Metrology, the science of measurements and standards, offers a significant job market and I encourage Tanzanians to pursue studies in this field,” she said.
