Tanzania hosts landmark ARSO assembly in Zanzibar, showcasing commitment to standards and trade integrity

Zanzibar. Tanzania is playing host to the 72nd General Assembly and Council Meetings of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), a prestigious continental event bringing together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across Africa.

The meetings, which run from 23rd to 28th June 2025 in Zanzibar, are being jointly organised by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS).

This year’s assembly serves as a critical platform for member states to deliberate on harmonised standards, regional trade integration, and collaborative innovation to promote quality and safety across African markets.

In a notable move, TBS has invited key stakeholders, including its strategic partner SICPA Tanzania, to participate in the assembly and showcase joint initiatives aimed at strengthening standardisation, enhancing trade, and protecting consumer interests.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of SICPA Tanzania, Mr Alfred Mapunda, emphasised the importance of their collaboration with TBS.

“We are delighted to partner with TBS at ARSO 2025 and to present SICPA Tanzania's solutions to all African standardisation offices, in the presence of the Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, and other regional high-level officials. We are honoured to help the authorities achieve their ambitious goals and to protect and empower Tanzanian consumers through cutting-edge security and traceability innovations and technologies,” said Mr Mapunda.

SICPA Tanzania, which employs over 150 Tanzanians, is currently working with TBS on the Fuel Integrity Solution – a national initiative aimed at ensuring fuel quality, combating fraud, and safeguarding government tax revenues.

The company is also a longstanding partner of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), providing the Electronic Tax Stamp (ETS) system that helps curb illicit trade and promote compliance in the manufacturing and importation sectors.

Through these initiatives, SICPA plays a key role in helping the Tanzanian government meet its revenue targets, enhance enforcement capacity, and maintain the integrity of products in the market.

TBS, in its role as the national standards body, continues to lead efforts in ensuring the safety, quality, and competitiveness of products in Tanzania. Its partnership with SICPA reflects a broader strategy to integrate technology-driven solutions into national systems of compliance and consumer protection.

ARSO 2025 serves as a springboard for African nations to reassert the role of standards in promoting industrialisation, strengthening regional economies, and protecting consumers. The assembly also provides an opportunity for African standards bodies to share best practices, align regulatory frameworks, and discuss future-focused innovations in conformity assessment and traceability.

The week-long event features exhibitions, panel discussions, and bilateral engagements – all aimed at accelerating Africa’s journey towards sustainable development through harmonised standards and regional cooperation.