Fikile Skosana
AFRAC Secretariat

The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) held its 31st General Assembly from 24–27 June 2025 in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This year’s “Day of Standardisation,” on 25 June, was themed “Accelerating Fair and Just Trade in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through a Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised Standards.”

The event brought together government leaders, regional quality infrastructure institutions, and private sector stakeholders. H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, delivered the keynote address, highlighting that harmonised standards and strong regulatory systems are essential to unlocking Africa’s trade potential.

Accreditation in Focus

Panel discussions explored how standardisation can support the AfCFTA. The third session, “Implementation of the AfCFTA – Standardisation of the TBT Annex 6: Where Are We and What Next?” examined progress and challenges in addressing technical barriers to trade.

Speaking in this session, the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) Vice-Chair Mr. Mpho Phaloane emphasized accreditation’s central role in building a Continental Quality Infrastructure. Accreditation underpins the reliability of testing, certification, and inspection, ensuring results are impartial and trusted across borders. This reduces disputes, strengthens compliance, and makes trade more predictable.

He also reflected on the pathway toward a pan-African Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). While some variations in national practices remain, harmonised ARSO standards and AFRAC’s frameworks provide a strong foundation. A continental MRA would allow certificates and test reports to circulate freely, supporting smoother trade flows under the AfCFTA.

Strengthening Partnerships

At the General Assembly, AFRAC expressed appreciation for ARSO’s partnership and reaffirmed its commitment to working with other Pan-African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI) institutions. Together, they aim to deliver a coherent regulatory environment where accredited conformity assessment results are accepted across Africa.

Delegates also visited a spice processing farm in Zanzibar, where quality systems are helping local producers meet international market requirements. The visit illustrated how accreditation and standardisation translate into practical benefits for African industries and exporters.

Looking Ahead

The 31st ARSO General Assembly reinforced the shared vision of Africa’s quality infrastructure institutions to support the AfCFTA. Accreditation is not simply a technical exercise – it is the foundation of trust. By ensuring that conformity assessment results are credible and accepted, accreditation strengthens regulation, facilitates trade, and safeguards public confidence.

As Africa deepens its economic integration, collaboration between ARSO, AFRAC, and other PAQI partners will be vital. Accreditation sits at the heart of this effort –building trust across borders and ensuring that fair, just, and competitive trade becomes a reality.