Uganda has been selected to host the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation, reinforcing its rising influence in Africa’s trade and standards landscape.
The five-day continental event will be held from June 15 to 19, 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a lakeside facility in Kampala known for hosting major international conferences.
Organised jointly with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, the assembly is expected to convene a wide spectrum of participants, including government officials, regulators, industry players, and development partners from across Africa.
This year’s meeting will revolve around the theme “Standards enabling Intra-Africa Trade under the AfCFTA – ARSO Quality Mark Working for You,” highlighting the importance of standards in supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Deliberations will explore ways to align regulatory frameworks, strengthen certification systems, and ensure product quality across borders. Stakeholders are expected to examine how consistent standards can reduce trade bottlenecks and create smoother market access for African producers.
Analysts note that inconsistent standards remain one of the biggest non-tariff barriers affecting trade on the continent, making harmonisation efforts crucial for economic growth.
Hosting the assembly positions Uganda as a key player in shaping policies that drive industrial development and cross-border trade. It also provides a platform for the country to highlight progress made in strengthening its standards regime and supporting local industries to meet international benchmarks.
The event will draw participation from ARSO member countries, national standards institutions, and bodies affiliated with the African Union, alongside representatives from regional economic communities and the private sector.
Platform for collaboration and innovation
Beyond formal sessions, the programme will include exhibitions, technical discussions, and networking opportunities designed to encourage partnerships and knowledge exchange.
These side engagements are expected to foster innovation and build consensus on practical approaches to implementing unified standards across Africa.
With preparations underway, expectations are high that the assembly will not only advance policy dialogue but also deliver tangible outcomes that strengthen Africa’s trade systems and boost the continent’s competitiveness on the global stage.