By Nuru Salim.
The call for a unified set of product standards across Africa took center stage as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) hosted the 4th Annual Regional Quality Conference in Kwale, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from across the continent.
With Africa’s trade potential expanding under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), standard harmonization is emerging as a key priority to unlock cross-border commerce, cut production costs, and eliminate regulatory barriers.
Currently, Africa trades more with Europe (66.9%), Asia (63.8%), America (44.4%), with intra-African trade standing at just 16%, according to the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
It is noted that differing national standards contribute significantly to this trade imbalance by increasing compliance costs and delaying the movement of goods.
Themed “Strategic Synergy: Elevating Quality and Value Through Culture, Customer-Centricity, Innovation, and Competence,” the four-day conference beginning on 19th March seeks to address these challenges by embedding quality excellence into businesses, institutions, and industries.
It will also explore how African nations can align local standards with international benchmarks to boost global competitiveness.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, National Standards Council (NSC) Chairman Dr. Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu emphasized the need for African countries to accelerate the harmonization process, warning that fragmented regulatory systems continue to hold back economic growth.
He stated that achieving a unified system of product standards would ease trade restrictions, attract investment, and enhance industrial productivity across the continent.
“The ultimate goal is to have a single standard for each product, whether maize grain or road vehicle tires, so that goods can move freely across the 52 AfCFTA member country borders without barriers.” said Dr. Wamalwa.
He noted that over 1,290 product standards have already been harmonized through efforts led by the East African Community (EAC) and the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO).
Some of the most impactful efforts include harmonized standards for maize, edible oils, and steel bars, which have significantly improved trade within the EAC region.
However, more work is required to extend these harmonized standards across all 52 AfCFTA member states to create a truly integrated market.
Dr. Wamalwa further pointed out that Kenya, through KEBS, has developed over 11,200 local standards across various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.
These efforts align with Kenya’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes affordable housing, manufacturing, and quality healthcare.
KEBS Managing Director, Ms. Esther Ngari, urged businesses to embrace quality management as a driver of competitiveness, rather than viewing it solely as a regulatory requirement. She emphasized that strong quality frameworks enable businesses to scale, access new markets, and enhance consumer trust.
“Africa has the potential to compete on a global scale, but this will not happen unless we take quality seriously. Businesses must integrate quality into their strategies, not just to meet regulatory requirements but to enhance innovation, customer satisfaction, and market reach,” she said.
She further noted that KEBS is investing in training and capacity-building through initiatives like the Certified Quality Professional (CQP) and Diploma in Quality Management (DQM) programs, developed in collaboration with KASNEB.
The programs aim to equip professionals with the skills necessary to drive quality transformation within their organizations.
Industry experts highlight that poor quality control has cost African businesses billions in lost revenue.
A report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) estimates that Africa loses up to $15 billion annually due to substandard goods and counterfeit products flooding the market.
Enforcing strict quality measures would not only protect consumers but also boost investor confidence and industrial growth.
The conference, which runs until March 21, provides a crucial platform for policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to collaborate on embedding quality excellence into economic policies and business strategies.
Stakeholders expect that discussions will lead to actionable recommendations that will shape regulatory frameworks, promote sustainable quality practices, and enhance Africa’s position in global
