African countries are stepping up efforts to strengthen intra-continental trade as standardization authorities convene in Kigali to align textile, leather, and accessory standards.
The meeting, organized by the African Organization for Standardization, brings together experts and policymakers under Technical Committee 53 (TC 53) to finalize new benchmarks aimed at improving product quality, reducing trade barriers, and increasing the consumption of locally manufactured goods.
Driving Trade Under AfCFTA
The discussions, running from March 3–6, 2026, are focused on finalizing 26 new harmonized standards covering textile and leather products—key sectors identified to drive industrial growth and support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
These standards will complement the existing 2,440 harmonized benchmarks already covering around 25 percent of AfCFTA tariff lines, marking a significant step toward a unified continental market.
Africa’s textile sector is projected to grow from $39.21 billion in 2025 to $49.41 billion by 2030, reflecting a steady expansion driven by industrialization, population growth, and rising domestic demand.
Read More: AfCFTA Faces Hurdles on Path to a Unified African Textiles and Apparel Value Chain
Reducing Barriers and Expanding Market Access
According to ARSO Secretary General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, harmonized standards will significantly reduce the cost and complexity of cross-border trade.
“With one single standard, textile and leather businesses will be able to sell their products in all 54 African countries. This will increase intra-African trade and enhance enterprises’ capacity to expand their market reach.”
Currently, companies often face multiple certification requirements when entering different markets—an obstacle that limits scalability and increases operational costs.
Toward “One Standard, One Certificate”
The harmonization process is being implemented under the African Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP), which aims to facilitate the movement of certified products across the continent.
A key component of the initiative is the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), ensuring that certifications issued in one country are accepted across others. Under ARSO coordination, Rwanda is among six countries piloting this approach, advancing the vision of “One Standard, One Test, One Certificate Accepted Everywhere.”
At the conclusion of the Kigali meeting, Rwanda is expected to sign new MRAs with the Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe, further strengthening regional collaboration.
Supporting Industry and SMEs
Beyond policy alignment, ARSO is actively supporting textile and leather companies in meeting continental standards, offering up to 100 percent assistance for certification processes.
Rwanda is emerging as a key player in this effort, alongside countries such as Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. As part of the initiative, 32 Rwandan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will receive certification covering 72 products—marking a milestone in the adoption of harmonized African standards.
Read More: Africa’s Industrial Renaissance: From Raw Cotton to Finished Fashion
A Strategic Step for Industrial Growth
The harmonization of textile and leather standards represents a critical move toward unlocking Africa’s industrial potential. By reducing trade friction, improving product quality, and enabling market access, the initiative is expected to accelerate regional integration and strengthen the continent’s position in global value chains.
As AfCFTA continues to reshape trade dynamics, standardization is emerging as a foundational tool—transforming fragmented markets into a more unified and competitive economic bloc.
