Historic Kigali Agreement Signed to Strengthen Trade and Standards Cooperation in Africa

Landmark Kigali Agreement to Boost Standardization in Africa

On October 9, 2025, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) signed a pivotal agreement in Kigali, Rwanda, known as the Kigali Agreement. This landmark accord aims to bolster technical cooperation and foster the implementation of international standards across the African continent. The signing occurred during ISO's Annual Meeting 2025, which attracted thousands of participants, both in-person and online.

The timing of this agreement aligns perfectly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world's largest free trade zone, encompassing 54 African Union member states. The success of the AfCFTA initiative is contingent upon the establishment and harmonization of technical standards, which play a critical role in ensuring regulatory convergence, quality assurance for products and services, and facilitating cross-border trade.

ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica expressed that the Kigali Agreement signifies a substantial advancement in the international standards framework that underpins development and trade in Africa. He stated, "This Agreement is not just about technical cooperation; it is about creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for the region. By adopting shared standards, we can promote industrial growth, support regulatory alignment, and provide local solutions that meet both local needs and global specifications."

The Kigali Agreement draws inspiration from the Vienna Agreement, which facilitates cooperation between ISO and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). However, it has been specifically adapted to address the unique regulatory and infrastructural contexts of African nations. The agreement is not only aligned with AfCFTA's primary objectives but also integrates with the African Union's broader development strategies.

With the Kigali Agreement's five-year duration, it also coincides with ISO's Action Plan for Developing Countries. This synchronization ensures that the collaboration between ISO and ARSO remains closely tied to the broader strategy aimed at enhancing inclusivity, capacity building, and improving access to standards in developing nations.

ARSO Secretary-General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana hailed the agreement as a transformative initiative, stating, "The vision of AfCFTA, which seeks to establish a seamless continental market, relies heavily on the harmonization of standards. This agreement equips ARSO and its affiliates with the necessary tools and a framework to expedite that process. By reducing redundancy and aligning priorities at both national and regional levels, we can facilitate the adoption of internationally recognized benchmarks, thereby promoting the concept of 'One Standard-One Market.'"

Nsengimana further emphasized the long-term benefits this agreement could bring, such as unlocking trade opportunities, stimulating industrial development, and ensuring fair competition for African products on the global stage. He expressed optimism about collaborating with ISO to realize a future where standardization underpins Africa's ambitions for growth, resilience, and inclusive development.

In conclusion, the Kigali Agreement represents a significant step towards enhancing technical cooperation and trade in Africa. As the continent aims for a more integrated economic landscape, the foundations laid by this agreement will play a crucial role in achieving the goals set forth in the African Union's Agenda 2063, fostering a brighter future for all African nations.

For additional information about the Kigali Agreement and other ISO initiatives, please visit ISO's website.