African standards bodies adopt unified quality mark to boost intra-African trade

This new unified certification framework aims to enable micro, small, and medium enterprises MSMEs to export products across African markets without repeated testing at each border. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki highlighted that fragmented regulatory barriers across 54 countries contribute to intra-Africa trade standing at only 17%. He emphasized that the current trade structure hinders small businesses and broader economic growth.

National Standards Council Chair Dr. Chris Wamalwa expressed optimism that iconic Kenyan products like Mursik and Mukombero could reach wider African markets. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui urged African nations to remove trade barriers, while KEBS Director General Esther Ngari stated that the shared certificate would build confidence among trading nations. ARSO Secretary General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana confirmed that over 350 products and more than 200 SMEs have already been certified under the new framework.

Additionally, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei was nominated as Africa Goodwill Ambassador for ARSO, pledging to engage former leaders to advance the organization's objectives.