Mwinyi pushes for policy reforms to unlock Africa’s trade potential

Unguja. Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, has called on African governments to intensify support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and foster an enabling environment for industrial growth and economic transformation.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by the Isles Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla during the official opening of the 31st African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) General Assembly in Unguja on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Dr Mwinyi stressed the importance of strengthening trade competitiveness, embracing policy reforms, adopting modern technologies, and investing in quality control systems.

“These efforts are essential to addressing the economic challenges facing our continent and unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade,” he said.

Mr Abdulla said harmonised quality standards play vital role in enhancing consumer safety, facilitating market access, and fostering industrial competitiveness across the continent.

“Platforms like this provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and monitor the standardisation agenda. As we deliberate today, let us recognise that clearly defined standards are necessary and crucial to ease trade, empower SMEs, and ensure equitable market participation,” he added.

President Mwinyi also called for deeper integration of regulatory systems across African countries to improve the quality of locally manufactured goods.

He emphasised the need for inclusive trade frameworks, underpinned by continental cooperation, to support fair trade practices and improve the livelihoods of producers—especially SMEs.

“The objective is to create a level playing field in national, regional, and global markets—where African producers receive fair prices and sustainable returns for their goods,” he said.

He urged national and regional standards bodies to ensure that goods produced in Africa consistently meet the safety, quality, and reliability requirements outlined by continental institutions such as ARSO and the Pan-African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI).

“To boost Africa’s competitiveness, we must work collectively to harmonise standards, certification systems, and regulatory frameworks,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi also highlighted Africa’s minimal contribution to global manufacturing—just 1.9 percent of the value added—despite its vast resource base and growing population.

He said the continent must unlock value chains in key sectors, including agro-processing, automotive, textiles and leather, mining, and pharmaceuticals.

“These sectors are pivotal for Africa’s industrialisation agenda. SMEs must position themselves at the centre of this transformation by adopting standards that enable them to compete effectively,” he noted.

Zanzibar’s Trade and Industrial Development Minister Omar Said Shaaban echoed similar sentiments, saying Africa envisions a barrier-free internal market where goods and services meet global benchmarks.

“Standards are our main tools in global competition. Through this assembly, we are laying the foundation for sustainable development, quality assurance, and economic resilience. ARSO’s role is critical in this process,” he said.

ARSO President, Prof Alex Dodoo, pointed out that with Africa’s population projected to rise significantly, the continent must collaborate to consolidate the African market and expand its presence globally.

Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Director General, Dr Ashura Katunzi, said while each country has its regulatory laws, harmonised standardisation guidelines are used across the continent to uphold product quality and safety.

“These meetings are vital in maintaining our common commitments. This being the 31st session shows how far we’ve come in strengthening our collective capacity,” she said.

Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS), Director Yussuph Majid Nassor, described the assembly as one of the largest ever held, with over 500 delegates representing all 54 African countries.

He said the event marked a major milestone for Zanzibar’s visibility in the global standardisation space.