Zanzibar hosts grand opening of ARSO annual meeting, championing continental trade standards
What you need to know:
- The ceremony featured distinguished speakers, among them President of ARSO and Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof Alex Dodoo, and Minister for Industry and Trade of Tanzania, Dr Sleman Jafo. Both underscored the pivotal role that standards play in unlocking intra-African trade and driving economic transformation.
Zanzibar. The 31st Annual General Meeting of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) commenced today with a vibrant opening ceremony at the prestigious Golden Tulip Hotel in Zanzibar. The gathering drew delegates from across the African continent, united in their mission to strengthen trade through harmonised standards.
Managing Director of Showtime, Mr Ibrahim Mitawi, whose team orchestrated the event, noted the meticulous planning behind the scenes. “From audiovisual setups to showcasing local cuisine through our catering, every detail was tailored to reflect the spirit of Zanzibar while meeting the needs of a diverse international delegation,” he remarked.
Showtime’s management ensured a seamless blend of professional execution and cultural celebration.
Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdalla, officiated the opening on behalf of His Excellency Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
In his keynote address, Mr Abdalla highlighted the importance of equitable and transparent trade across Africa. Expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling such a gathering, he welcomed attendees warmly with the Swahili greeting, “Karibu” – meaning “Welcome.”
The ceremony featured distinguished speakers, among them President of ARSO and Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof Alex Dodoo, and Minister for Industry and Trade of Tanzania, Dr Sleman Jafo. Both underscored the pivotal role that standards play in unlocking intra-African trade and driving economic transformation.
Director General of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Dr Ashura Katunzi, articulated the significance of harmonised standards in reducing technical barriers to trade. She emphasised that standardisation not only protects consumers by ensuring safety and quality but also builds trust, fosters innovation, and empowers African businesses to compete globally.
“Standardisation is not merely about regulatory compliance – it’s about creating opportunities, enabling market access, and uplifting communities,” said Prof Dodoo. He called for robust regulatory frameworks that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale beyond borders.
The opening day concluded with insightful breakout sessions, where experts tackled diverse challenges facing the continent’s standardisation efforts. Delegates enthusiastically engaged in dialogue, exchanging best practices and proposing forward-looking solutions.
The ARSO Annual General Meeting is set to continue in the days ahead, with high expectations for impactful resolutions and collaborations. With a shared vision for a more integrated African market, this landmark event is poised to leave a lasting legacy on trade policy and practice across the continent.
