Mutetei Mutisya
Principal Marketing Communication Officer
Kenya Accreditation Service

On 10 March 2025, the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) and the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) formalized a landmark collaboration to enhance trade and quality infrastructure across Africa. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Nairobi marks a pivotal step toward strengthening accreditation for the ARSO Conformity Assessment Program (ACAP) and supporting the administration of the ECOMARK (Made in Africa) Programme.

By fostering trust in African goods and ensuring compliance with internationally recognized standards, this agreement will play a critical role in supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and boosting intra-African trade.

Strengthening Africa’s Quality Culture

The ARSO Conformity Assessment Program (ACAP) is designed to harmonize certification schemes across Africa in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, and sustainable mining. Currently, ACAP covers 11 certification schemes, addressing sustainability, eco-labeling, African traditional medicine, and responsible resource extraction.

KENAS, as the first accreditation body in Africa to accredit certification bodies, will integrate ACAP certification under internationally recognized accreditation standards, including ISO/IEC 17065 (for product certification bodies) and ISO/IEC 17021-1 (for management system certification). This will enhance the credibility of ACAP certifications and improve their global acceptance.

At the signing ceremony, ARSO Secretary General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana emphasized the need for Africa to build a self-sustaining quality infrastructure. “ACAP represents a transformative approach, enabling certification bodies to play a vital role in ensuring the credibility of African products. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand opportunities for African businesses under the ‘Made in Africa’ scheme.”

Promoting Green and Sustainable Certification

The MoU also includes collaboration on the ECOMARK (Made in Africa) Programme, which promotes environmentally friendly products and sustainable production practices. With a growing global demand for eco-certified goods, this initiative positions African businesses to compete in international markets by adhering to sustainability principles.

Through accredited conformity assessment bodies, the agreement will enable businesses to obtain eco-label certification, boosting access to environmentally conscious markets and reinforcing Africa’s commitment to sustainable development.

Enhancing Market Access and Competitiveness

This partnership will have a significant impact on industry, businesses, and consumers. Accredited certification schemes will enhance the recognition of African products, ensuring compliance with rigorous quality and safety standards. This will allow businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to expand into regional and international markets with confidence.

KENAS CEO Dr. Walter Ongeti highlighted the significance of this collaboration for trade facilitation: “Africa is abundant in resources, from agriculture to minerals and sustainable energy. However, market access depends on trust in quality and safety. This partnership will help strengthen Africa’s conformity assessment landscape, ensuring that our products meet global expectations. By accrediting more certification bodies, we create a robust ecosystem where African businesses can thrive.”

KENAS has already contributed to advancing accreditation in Africa by supporting both public and private sector certification bodies. This includes institutions in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, demonstrating the growing recognition of accredited certification across the continent.

A New Era for African Standardization

With the AfCFTA opening new opportunities for trade, the need for a harmonized quality infrastructure has never been greater. The collaboration between KENAS and ARSO lays the foundation for an accreditation framework that not only supports African businesses but also aligns with global best practices.

As the MoU is implemented, stakeholders—including certification bodies, regulatory agencies, and the private sector—will play a crucial role in ensuring its success. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Africa is well-positioned to build a future where accredited certification drives sustainable trade and economic prosperity across the continent.