KENAS and ARSO Partner to Strengthen African Trade Through Accreditation
Africa is at a turning point in its trade and industrial development. As markets open up under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the need for trusted, high-quality African products has never been greater. To support this vision, the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) and the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening accreditation and certification across the continent.
This agreement will play a crucial role in boosting the credibility of African goods by supporting the accreditation of the ARSO Conformity Assessment Program (ACAP) Certification Schemes and the administration of the Eco Mark Africa (EMA) Programme. The signing ceremony, held at International House, Nairobi, is a landmark moment in Africa’s journey toward a unified, high-quality trade ecosystem.
Why Accreditation Matters for Africa’s Trade
In global markets, trust is everything. Buyers, regulators, and consumers rely on certification and accreditation to ensure that products meet safety, sustainability, and quality standards. However, Africa’s trade potential has often been hindered by a lack of mutually recognized certification schemes.
The ACAP framework addresses this challenge by establishing a clear structure for certification schemes across diverse industries, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, aquaculture, and cocoa. With 11 (eleven) certification schemes currently in place, ACAP promotes responsible mining, African traditional medicine, and sustainability, among other areas.
By accrediting Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to certify businesses under ACAP, KENAS will help create a trusted system of certification that businesses across Africa can use to demonstrate their compliance with internationally recognized standards. This will open up new markets for African producers, enabling them to trade confidently both within the continent and internationally.
ARSO Secretary General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana and KENAS CEO Dr Walter Ongeti signing the Memorandum of Understanding
The Role of Ecomark in Sustainable African Trade
Beyond accreditation, this partnership will also strengthen eco-labelling and sustainability certification under the Eco Mark Africa (EMA) Programme. As consumers and regulators demand more environmentally responsible products, certification for sustainability and green production practices is becoming a key factor in market access.
Through Eco Mark Africa, African businesses will have a structured way to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. Products carrying the ECOMARK label will not only gain preference in regional markets but also attract global buyers who prioritize sustainability.
Building a Culture of Quality in Africa
Speaking at the signing event, ARSO Secretary General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, stressed the importance of developing a self-driven quality culture in Africa. He emphasized that trust and standardization should be the foundation of trade, allowing African businesses to compete on an equal footing with international players.
Dr. Walter Ongeti, the Chief Executive Officer of KENAS, highlighted the immense trade potential Africa holds and the important role of accreditation. Africa is home to valuable natural resources, agricultural products, and industries, but without access to the right certification and accreditation, many businesses struggle to access high-value markets. By bringing more certification bodies into globally recognized accreditation frameworks, the partnership between KENAS and ARSO will help African products gain acceptance and competitiveness in international markets.
The Bigger Picture: A Thriving African Economy
This partnership is more than just an agreement between two organizations—it is a strategic move towards a stronger, self-sustaining African economy. By ensuring that African goods meet international standards, the MoU will help businesses scale, attract investors, and build trust in the "Made in Africa" brand.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this collaboration provides a critical pathway to expand their reach. Many SMEs produce high-quality goods but face barriers when trying to enter regional or international markets. With a stronger certification and accreditation system, these businesses will gain recognition, access better trade opportunities, and grow their customer base.
For consumers, this agreement means greater access to safe, high-quality, and eco-friendly products. As more businesses seek accreditation and certification, the market will become more competitive, leading to better quality goods and services.
KENAS: Leading the Way in Accreditation
KENAS has been at the forefront of accreditation in Africa, pioneering the accreditation of public and private certification bodies. It has already accredited organizations such as the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), with many private certification bodies across Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon and beyond actively seeking accreditation.
This growing interest in accreditation reflects a shift in Africa’s trade landscape, where businesses and governments recognize the value of standardized certification. Through this partnership with ARSO, KENAS is committed to strengthening Africa’s conformity assessment landscape, ensuring that more businesses can achieve accreditation and unlock new trade opportunities.
A Future of Trust and Growth
The signing of this MoU is just the beginning. The real impact will be seen as businesses, policymakers, and accreditation bodies work together to implement these frameworks. Trust is the foundation of trade, and through stronger accreditation, certification, and standardization, Africa can position itself as a leader in quality and sustainability.
As KENAS and ARSO continue their collaboration, the message is clear: Africa is ready for a future where its products are globally recognized, trusted, and competitive.
