At the 30th African Organisation for Standardization (ARSO) General Assembly, I had the privilege of engaging directly with small business owners operating in key sectors such as fashion and agriculture. These sectors represent the backbone of many economies across the African continent, and their growth potential is immense, particularly as we look to the future of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In my discussions with these business owners, I emphasized the critical role that a unified and clear standardization process plays in their ability to succeed. With consistent and reliable standards, small businesses can expand their market access beyond local and national borders. A well-implemented standardization process not only increases their ability to reach broader markets but also enhances their export revenue potential, as products and services that meet international standards are in higher demand globally. In the context of AfCFTA, this is particularly important, as the free trade area presents unprecedented opportunities for African businesses to thrive on the continental and international stage.
During the assembly, I also had a highly productive meeting with Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Our conversation focused on finalizing the details of an important partnership between SON and our agency. This partnership is designed to simplify the standardization process for small businesses nationwide, making it more accessible, transparent, and easier to navigate.
One of the key outcomes of this collaboration will be providing small businesses with the necessary support and training to meet these standards effectively. By increasing compliance rates, we can help small businesses not only meet regulatory requirements but also become more competitive in the increasingly lucrative markets across Africa and beyond. The ultimate goal is to ensure that African small businesses are equipped with the tools they need to grow, succeed, and become formidable players on the global stage, all while driving economic development across the continent.
