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Strengthening Collaboration in Africa: The Kigali Agreement

On October 9, 2025, a significant development unfolded in Kigali, Rwanda, as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) came together to sign a transformative accord known as the Kigali Agreement. This agreement aims to enhance technical cooperation and accelerate the adoption of international standards across the African continent.

This landmark agreement emerges at a pivotal time for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world's largest free trade zone, which encompasses 54 member states of the African Union. The AfCFTA is a flagship initiative of the African Union's Agenda 2063, vital for promoting economic integration and sustainable development.

A Step Forward for Free Trade

Standards play a critical role in ensuring the success of the AfCFTA. They facilitate the harmonization of regulations, guarantee product and service quality, and streamline cross-border trade. With the signing of the Kigali Agreement, ISO and ARSO are set to collaborate closely on the development of norms that align with the region's specific regulatory landscapes and infrastructure realities.

Sergio Mujica, the Secretary General of ISO, emphasized that this agreement is a bold step forward in reinforcing international standards as catalysts for development, trade, and integration throughout Africa. He stated, "The Kigali Agreement marks an important milestone in our long-standing partnership with ARSO and presents a significant opportunity to deepen ISO's impact across Africa. This initiative is not solely about technical cooperation but is about forging a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable future for the region."

Goals of the Kigali Agreement

Under the framework of the Kigali Agreement, both organizations will coordinate the development of standards and promote alignment between national and regional programs. This alignment will help reduce technical barriers to trade, ultimately fostering a more unified continental market.

Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary General of ARSO, reflected on the agreement's importance by stating that it represents a decisive shift towards establishing a robust, coordinated standardization system in Africa. He underscored that the vision of AfCFTA hinges upon standard harmonization. "This agreement equips ARSO and its members with the necessary tools and framework to accelerate this process, thereby ensuring that African products can compete successfully on the global stage."

Shared Vision for the Future

The five-year agreement draws inspiration from the Vienna Agreement, a cooperation pact between ISO and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), but is tailored to address Africa's unique regulatory and infrastructural challenges while aligning with AfCFTA objectives. This partnership coincides with the upcoming cycle of ISO's Development Action Plan for developing countries, ensuring that their collaboration is embedded in ISO's broader strategy to enhance inclusivity and capacity building.

In conclusion, this historic agreement has the potential to revolutionize trade and industry in Africa. It aims to not only improve the regulatory landscape but also empower national standardization organizations to develop standards that resonate with local needs while meeting international expectations. The Kigali Agreement stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of African nations, enabling them to work towards a more prosperous future for all. As this agreement takes shape, both ISO and ARSO are committed to building a framework that supports Africa’s ambitions for growth, resilience, and inclusive development.

Looking Ahead

The announcement of this deal took place during the 2025 ISO Annual Meeting, which gathered thousands of attendees both in person and online, demonstrating the shared commitment to advancing trade and cooperation in Africa. For more information, visit www.iso.org/annualmeeting.