31^st General Assembly Event Theme

Accelerating Fair and Just Trade in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area through an African Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised standards.

The Theme is based on the African Union 2025 theme:

Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.

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The theme was officially be launched by Heads of State and Government during the 38^th AU Summit in February 2025. Theme was decided on by the Heads of State and Government at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union held in February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In the continuing pursuit of justice and equity, the conversation about reparations has emerged as a critical and transformative dialogue that requires the collective attention and action of Africans and all people of African descent.

throughout recent history, since the GATT, 1947, Trans National Corporations (TNCs) or multinational enterprises have emerged as powerful players making the international trade to be increasingly shaped by value chains, regionally and globally (Anja Shly, UNCTAD, 2017), and to export, producers must meet the demands of the target markets in terms of quality, safety, reliability, environmental compatibility and hygiene with credible proof of compliance to the technical market requirements, required.

For the standardisation Community, the theme presents opportunity to reflect on the need to enhance the Capacity and competitiveness of African Producers, Traders and the SMEs to participate in the regional and global value chains and access markets regionally and internationally by meeting quality requirements. For Africa, effective Quality Infrastructure/Standardisation will enable African countries to exploit commercial opportunities in the Global Value Chains and to fairly compete in global markets and to justly participate in international Trading Systems by overcoming the difficulties in demonstrating compliance with stringent quality requirements and trade rules, hence the increased desirability of Effective Quality Infrastructure for the competitiveness of the African products and SMEs and as a fair and a just means or stepping stone to connecting Africa to the global market place, and which is attracting the attention of the Policy Makers, Economists and the Standardisation Community.

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Welcome to the 2025 ARSO Week /The 31^st ARSO General Assembly Events

23^rd – 27^th June 2025

Theme: “Accelerating Fair and Just Trade in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area through African Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised standards”

Venue:  Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) Hosts the 31st ARSO GA Events,  including the Annual African Day of Standardisation Forum and the Made in Africa Expo (Made in Tanzania)) on 23rd – 27th June  2025, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar,  under the Theme: “Accelerating Fair and Just Trade in Africa under the African  Continental Free Trade Area through an African Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised standards”.

• To enter Tanzania, you’ll need a visa, which you can obtain online or at a Tanzanian embassy or consulate. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, and you have at least one blank page in your passport for the visa.- https://visa.immigration.go.tz., https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/immigration-services/visa-information
•  Yellow Fever certificate,  and 
• Mandatory travel insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation at a cost of USD 44 – here is the link: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz.

Welcome!!!!!!!!

Welcome Home, Tanzania, the Cradle of Mankind.

The Fossils found in this area include Paranthropus bones thought to be over 2 million years old, and the oldest known footprints of the immediate ancestors of humans, the Laetoli footprints, estimated to be about 3.6 million years old, and Did you Know? That:

• The United Republic of Tanzania (Kiswahili: Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania), is in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. To the east it borders the Indian Ocean, and between longitude 29o and 41o East, Latitude 1o and 12o south.  ..
• Tanzania is a result of the unification of Tanganyika (the mainland) and the Zanzibar islands. Tanganyika and Zanzibar united on 26th April 1964, forming the United Republic of Tanzania. Tanganyika became a sovereign state on 9th December, 1961 and became a Republic the following year.  Zanzibar became independent on 10th December, 1963 and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar was established after the revolution of 12th January, 1964. The two sovereign republics formed the United Republic of Tanzania on 26th April, 1964.

• About 10,000 years ago, Tanzania was populated by hunter-gatherer communities who spoke Khoisan. They were joined by Cushitic-speaking people who came from the north about 5000 years ago. The Khoisan peoples were slowly absorbed. Cushitic peoples introduced basic techniques of agriculture, food production, and later cattle farming. About 2000 years ago, Bantu speaking people began to arrive from western Africa in a series of migrations. They further developed iron working skills, introduced different ideas of social and political organization. Later, Nilotic pastoralists arrived, and continued to immigrate into the area through to the 18th century.
• In 1498 Vasco da Gama became the first European to reach the East African coast, and by 1525 the Portuguese had subdued the entire coast. In 1848 the German missionary Johannes Rebmann became the first European to see Mount Kilimanjaro, and in 1858 Richard Burton and John Speke mapped Lake Tanganyika. In January 1866 the Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone went to Zanzibar, from where he set out to seek the source of the Nile. After having lost contact with the outside world for years, he was found in the town of Ujiji on the shores of Lake Tanganyika on November 10, 1871.
• In 1877 the first of a series of Belgian expeditions arrived in Zanzibar. In the course of these expeditions, in 1879 a station was founded in Kigoma on the eastern bank of Lake Tanganyika, soon to be followed by the station of Mpala on the opposite western bank. Both stations were founded in the name of the Comite D’Etudes Du Haut Congo, a predecessor organization of the Congo Free State. Tanganyika was colonized first by Germans (1880s until 1919) then the British (1919 to 1961). It served as a military outpost during World War II and provided financial help as well as munitions. Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere became Prime Minister of British-administered Tanganyika in 1960, and continued as Prime Minister when Tanganyika became independent in 1961. He went on to become the first president of Tanzania, after the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar on April 26, 1964. Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere introduced African socialism or Ujamaa, which emphasized justice and equality, and while advocating for the Independence of other African Countries, the formation of the Organisation of the African Unity, currently African Union and the development of key Africa’s Development blue prints like the Lagos Plan of Action of 1980, the Abuja Treaty of 1991, and now the AfCFTA, where Tanzania is one of the 48 signatory and ratified State parties for the AfCFTA.
• Dodoma is the capital city and Dar es Salaam is the commercial capital and major sea port for Tanzania Mainland and it serves neighbouring land-locked countries of Malawi, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, as well as Eastern DRC. Other sea ports include Zanzibar, Tanga, and Mtwara. Because of its geographical advantage, Dar es Salaam Port presents itself as the gateway into East and Central Africa. Furthermore, this renders Tanzania as a logical investment destination for investors.
• Tanzania is home to the world-famous National Parks and Game Reserves such as Ngorongoro Crater, Selous, Serengeti, Gombe Stream, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Mikumi, Ruaha, Saadani, Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha, Katavi, Rubondo etc. Tanzanian culture is a delightful mix of influences with over 120 tribes. Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. From the tall graceful Maasai warriors, the ancient ways of the Hadza bushmen, the resourceful agricultural practices of the Wameru, the artistic talents of the Makonde to the Chaga farmers and traders. Each of the 120 different tribes in Tanzania have their own distinct ways of life but together, they gracefully unite to form Tanzania.

Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

• To enter Tanzania, you’ll need a visa, which you can obtain online or at a Tanzanian embassy or consulate. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, and you have at least one blank page in your passport for the visa.- https://visa.immigration.go.tz., https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/immigration-services/visa-information
•  Yellow Fever certificate 
• Mandatory travel insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation at a cost of USD 44 – here is the link: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz.

The 31^st ARSO General Assembly Events – “Accelerating Fair and Just Trade in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area through an African Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised standards”.

For the standardisation Community, Tanzania is one of the 21 founding members of ARSO having ratified the ARSO founding constitution on 11th January, 1977, during the ARSO Founding Conference held on 10^th – 17^th January 1977 at the Ghana International Conference Centre, Accra Ghana, and has continued to play crucial role as a Member of the ARSO Council, through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS).

Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) is the national standards body for Tanzania established by the government as part of the efforts to strengthen the supportive infrastructure for industry and commerce sectors across the economy within the country. The Bureau was established by Parliamentary Act No. 3 of 1975 as the National Standards Institute and became operational on 16^th April 1976. Subsequently, it was renamed Tanzania Bureau of Standards under Act No. 1 of 1977. On 20^th March 2009, the Standards Act No. 3 of 1975 was repealed and replaced by the Standards Act No. 2 of 2009. Dr. Ashura A. Katunzi is the current Director General, Tanzania Bureau of Standards.

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Contacts for the 31^st ARSO GA Events for TBS and ZBS for any further clarifications and logistics:

1. Mr. Yona Mwampagatwa – TBS – yona.mwampagatwa@tbs.go.tz

Tel.: +255 784 396 344

• Kidawa Hassan – kidawa.hassan@zbs.go.tz. Tel. +255 777 2

The 31^st ARSO General Assembly Events – “Accelerating Fair and Just Trade in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area through an African Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised standards”.

The 31st ARSO General Assembly events/The ARSO 2025 Week, to be graced by the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi,  other Government Officials, Representatives of Regional, Continental and International standardisation Organisations, has been scheduled for 23rd – 27th June 2025, in Zanzibar/Tanzania, hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) under the theme “Accelerating Fair and Just Trade in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area through African Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised standards”. The Theme is based on the AU 2025 declared theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” and officially launched by Heads of State and Government during the 38th AU Summit held on 15th February 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

For the Standardisation Community, the theme and the 31st GA events, present opportunity to reflect on the need to enhance the Capacity and competitiveness of African Producers, Traders and the SMEs to access markets and participate in the regional and global value chains.  The theme articulates the fact that for Africa, effective Quality Infrastructure/Standardisation will enable African countries to exploit commercial opportunities in the Global Value Chains and to fairly compete in global markets and to participate in international Trading Systems by overcoming the difficulties in demonstrating compliance with stringent quality requirements and trade rules. This underlines the increased desirability of Effective Quality Infrastructure for the competitiveness of the African products and SMEs and as a fair and a just means and a stepping stone to connecting Africa to the global market place, while promoting intra-African Trade and which has already attracted the attention of Policy Makers, Economists and the Standardisation Community in the context of the AfCFTA Opportunities under the TBT Annex 6 and SPS Annex 7, and including calls for Capacity building and Partnerships (AfCFTA TBT Annex 6 article 12, SPS Annex 7 article 14; WTO TBT Agreement, Art.11).

Already, the increased reference to standardisation (and its attendant Compliance Infrastructure) in trade and economic policies and as a regulatory instrument and development tool, in Africa by Development Partners and Institutions, Political actors, Policy Makers, Economists and Industrialists, and the African Union in its Summit decisions, and the bold initiatives being undertaken by the standardisation stakeholders and Partners in Africa, such as the development of an African Quality Policy, are clear pointers on the future prospects of Africa in embracing standardisation as a Key Pillar in Africa’s sustainable Development, the need for Capacity Building for the competitiveness of the African SMEs and the eminent role of ARSO. Particularly, this is of great importance, given that the AfCFTA could stimulate intra-African trade by up to USD 35 billion per year, and with fair and just trade has the potential to increase intra-African trade by 52.3% by eliminating import duties, and to double this trade if non-tariff barriers, especially the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTS) are also reduced (UNECA 2018). Already the poor domestic/Intra-African Trade (16%) and external (3% AfDB 2014) trade performances of Africa, were due to quality infrastructure deficits, many African economies (SMEs and small traders)

The United Republic of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), and with Zanzibar a paying  Observer member of ARSO, and currently led by President, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, has continued to play a Strategic Role in ARSO both as a Founding Member and Council Member, having joined ARSO and ratified membership instruments on 11th January, 1977, and most important, the fact that Tanzania is both a signatory and a ratified member to the AfCFTA Agreement, having ratified on 17^th January 2022. Currently, having been ratified by 48 African countries (38 of which are ARSO Members) and being piloted under the Guided Trade Initiative,  in Nine (9) African countries, (Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Tunisia –  all ARSO Members) for 96 identified commodities, among member countries and cover policy areas in regulatory measures such as sanitary standards and technical barriers to trade as per TBT Annex 6 and SPS Annex 7. It is being foreseen that the full implementation of AfCFTA would reshape markets and economies across the region and boost output in the services, manufacturing and natural resources sectors, as the main objectives of the AfCFTA are to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, and thus pave the way for accelerating the establishment of the Customs Union, while enhancing the competitiveness at the industry and enterprise level through exploitation of opportunities for scale production, continental market  access and better reallocation of resources.

The 31st GA events to be graced by the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, other Government Officials, Representatives of Regional, Continental and International standardisation Organisations, will also be addressed by the ARSO President Prof. Alex Dodoo, The Director General of The Tanzania Bureau of Standards, Dr. Ashura A. Katunzi, ARSO Secretary General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, ISO President, Dr Sung Hwan Cho, and r. Selemani Saidi Jafo, Tanzania Minister for Investment, Trade, and Industry and a guest from the African Union, and will be attended by ARSO Member States and representatives from Stakeholder Organisations, including, African Countries, Africa-RECs, African Union Commission, AfCFTA Secretariat,  AFNOR, AFRAC, ISO, ITC, WTO, UNECA, UNIDO, African Union, ALLPI, TMA, OSP, ISO, SASO, Intertek, SAC-China, ECOS, ECOWAS, COTECNA, EiTEX, TMA, UNIDO, BSI/EU, AOAC, SMIIC, GSO-Gulf, PTB-Germany, Intertek, QROSQ, SAMR and CNIS, Science For Africa Foundation, U.S. Commercial Service South Africa, COLEAD, UL Standards, Port-Harcourt Water Corporation, FCDO, IACO, SADC, among others.

Understanding the Mandate of ARSO in the Context of the Implementation of the AfCFTA.

ARSO is an intergovernmental body established by Organization of African Unity (OAU, currently African Union (AU)) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in 1977, with 21 African Governments as founding members, at a founding Conference at the Accra International Conference Centre from 10^th – 17^th January 1977, and currently with a membership of 43 African countries, (Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, New State of Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, The Kingdom of Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with Zanzibar as an observer member), the ARSO mandate of coordinating the harmonisation and implementation of African Standards and conformity assessment procedures continues to be a strategy for promoting the intra-African Trade and integration Agenda.  A key challenge for Africa as a region, for along time, under its industrialisation and integration Agenda, has been  on how to move off an economic growth path built on commodity exports to a more sustainable developmental path and industrialisation based on production of high quality export-oriented products and enhanced intra-African trade in addition to addressing the challenge of Technical Barriers Trade to improve Intra-African Trade. For Africa, this is crucial given that Different Regulatory Policies in the African RECs (RECS – AMU, COMESA, CEN-SAD, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS, IGAD, SADC, EAC)  has given rise to the challenge of variation in certification, testing, inspection practices, and standards and Technical Regulations, used by different countries on the basis of the WTO obligation and rights, and significantly continue to play more and more significant role in the intra-African and cross-border trade. The use of standards for value addition through simplified outreach materials to users of standards is one of the tools that ARSO is using to help industry to enter the African Regional Value Chains thus the Intra-Africa Trade. TBT Annex 6 and SPS Annex 7 under the AfCFTA Agreement give more guidance on reducing the non trade barriers linked to poor quality infrastructure.

ARSO Secretary General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana has been advocating for the adoption and implementation of harmonised standards. As per the UNCTAD Research Paper No. 11, December 2017, globally relevant harmonised standards make it easier for many companies’ (particularly small and medium enterprises) to get their products across national boundaries around the world and in respective value chains. From this point of view, many authors describe standards as instruments for value chain management and administration (governance). For Africa, Heterogeneity of standards and Conformity Assessment regimes, developed by different countries and regions make trade within value chains contentious and costly (OECD and WTO 2012). But these difficulties can be circumvented through harmonization of national standards into international or regional ones (OECD, WTO, and UNCTAD 2013). Standards that are harmonized in a regional agreement increase trade flows between the partners (Chen and Mattoo (2008)), as harmonised African standards, like harmonised International are specifications with global consensus and increase the  openness of economies and governance of Value Chains, as the supply and demand of the concerned goods and services are as large as possible and economies of scale can be exploited (Blind 2004), hence the need for harmonised standards in Africa priority sectors.

The Harmonisation of African Standards was recognised at the very beginning of Africa’s integration Agenda, under the OAU, currently, AU, as a means of promoting not only trade among African countries but also enabling African enterprises to participate effectively in the global trading system. This still remains the core mandate of ARSO as also recognized under the AfCFTA Agreement, which as a policy instrument, offers African countries a great long-term opportunity to address Africa’s standardisation Agenda, as the:

• The AfCFTA binds all State parties to commit to the progressive elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade in goods,
• The TBT Annex, under Article 5: Fields of Cooperation, has provided that States Parties shall cooperate in the development and implementation of standards, technical regulations, conformity assessment procedures, accreditation, metrology, capacity building and enforcement activities in order to facilitate trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Further in Article 6.2 b, c, d and f respectively, calls on the State parties to adopt the harmonised African standards by ARSO and AFSEC.
• This is aligned with the provisions of Article 8.1 of the SPS annex on Harmonisation where States Parties shall cooperate in the development and harmonisation of sanitary or phytosanitary measures based on international standards, guidelines and recommendations taking into account the harmonization of SPS measures at the regional level.

The ARSO Standards harmonisation mainly focused on priority value chains and potential export basket, and currently under 15 priority Sectors and 97 Technical committees, and with Experts nominated by the ARSO member States, is driven by the conviction that, consolidating the African continent into one single market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and with established regional value chains with enhanced intra-African Trade, provides great opportunities for trading enterprises, businesses and consumers across Africa. The harmonization work is guided by the Standard Harmonisation Procedure SHP-01 that highlights the good standardization practice under the WTO TBT agreement with other reference from ISO and IEC and also currently based on the report of the 2019 ARSO and UNECA study aimed at identifying priority African value chains and products to enhance African standards harmonisation for the promotion of Africa’s industrial development and intra-African trade, and with the findings of the study further informing the prioritisation of African standards harmonization by ARSO, as well as the  A similar study, EU and AU mandated International Trade Centre (ITC) study on Value Chain Diagnostic, to identify strategic Africa priority sectors, with high potential for sustainable value chain development in Africa and the bottlenecks preventing businesses from fully realising this potential. The report, Made by Africa: Creating Value through Integration, the study identified 94 value chains with high potential for sustainable development.  Among others the following are the main sectors: Agriculture and Food Products (infant food, edible insect, oilseeds, cocoa, coffee, milk, meat…); Healthcare Technology (pharmaceuticals, medical devices…); Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy (automotive technologies…); Leather and Textile Products; Traditional and Complementary Medicine; Energy and Natural Resources (mining…); Building and Civil Engineering (cements…); Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (fertilizers, paints…); Electrotechnology; Transport and Communications; Environmental Management; Services (finance, tourism, education…).

The ARSO Conformity Assessment is being implemented by the ARSO Conformity Assessment Committee (ARSO CACO) through the ARSO Conformity Assessment Programme (ACAP) – based on ISO/IEC 17065-2012 ISO/IEC 17025:2005: ISO/IEC 17025:2005). It aims at establishing various tools and capacity building for Good Conformity Assessment Practices (testing, certification, inspection, market surveillance) and facilitating Mutual Recognition Arrangements, to ensure that products and services conform to the recognised Standards and Technical regulations. In support of mutual recognition, ARSO has approved two Quality Marks, Eco Mark Africa with regards to sustainably produced products and the ARSO Continental Dual Marking with regards to general products conforming to the ARSO standards, while encouraging for the Self/Manufacturer/Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity and currently engaging with members for their implementation. The 2 marks are registered in WIPO, EUIPO, UKIPO and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) of South Africa.  The ARSO’s Eco Mark Africa was officially launched on 8th March 2019.  For its operation, several Agricultural Sustainability Standards, in addition three standards on sustainable Cocoa, and six African Sustainability Standards on fisheries, forestry, tourism, tilapia and the African catfish have been harmonised, and certification is based on a performance maturity model (ranking from bronze, silver, gold or platinum);  The ARSO quality mark-Dual Marking and certification mark, is to be awarded by licensed Certification Bodies or a National Standards Body (NSB) for marking on products complying with African standards as an evident that products conform to harmonised African standards and is to be applied alongside national quality marks, by member States. For the mutual recognition arrangement, ARSO finalised the Framework developed in cooperation with six member States, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zimbabwe, through a consultative process and officially approved by the 70^th ARSO Council in June 2024. Both the standardisation and conformity Assessment activities are facilitated by the Training, Capacity building and Awareness creation and information sharing under ARSO Documentation and Information Network (DISNET).

During the 30^th ARSO General Assembly events, the 2024 ARSO Week in Abuja, Nigeria, the ARSO President, Prof. Alex Dodoo highlighted that The environment in which ARSO is currently operating in, under its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan adopted in June 2022, continues to evolve in the context of the UN Agenda 2030 SDGs goals, AU Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA Agreement, with greater expectations on ARSO  and its leadership, while focusing on the drive towards: Facilitation of Quality Culture in Africa with increased focus on strengthening Quality Infrastructure and common regulatory Framework in Africa as per the adopted African Union African Quality Policy (AQP), African Continental Technical Regulation Framework (ACTReF), and the need for aligning the Quality Policies at the National and Regional levels;  The promotion and acceleration of industrialisation in Africa with a focus on SMEs and the Made in Africa Products (AfCFTA Products), with increased call for Universal ARSO Membership and a coherent Regulatory Framework, as per TBT Annex 6 and SPS Annex 7.; the Strengthening the Conformity Assessment to serve the interest of African industries, farmers, producers and consumers and aligning Africa to universal Sustainability policy agenda with the Eco Mark Africa and in accordance to SDG 2030 and the AU 2063 Agenda, and the emerging sustainability regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation; and Increasing Awareness creation, Capacity Building, cooperation and partnerships with African and International Organisations (Afreximbank, AfDB, African Union, UNECA, AfCFTA Secretariat, AU’s RECS, WTO, ITC, IEC, ITU, UNIDO, EU, USAID, GSO, ISO, PTB-Germany).

Apart from what has been done in the last forty years, with the signing of the AfCFTA agreement in 2018, the ARSO work is more important than ever before, and a lot has been achieved, more than 2000 harmonised standards are available (which is covering 18% of the AfCFTA Tarrifs lines). These harmonised standards would support a Common Regulatory Framework in the context of African Quality Policy and the African Continental Technical Regulatory Cooperation Framework (ACTReF), both adopted by the African Union in 2022 and 2024. The ARSO Conformity Assessment Programme under the ARSO CACO drives the harmonisation of Conformity Assessment regimes, promotes Mutual Recognition Arrangements and Common Regulatory Framework. The ARSO DISNET, including the African Trade Web Portal ensures the dissemination Trade and Standards information to facilitate compliance to standards and trade requirements across the continent.  For more information visit the ARSO Website: http://www.arso-oran.org/.

Summary of 31^th ARSO General Assembly Events

The 31^st ARSO General Assembly events have been scheduled to take place from 23^rd – 27^th June 2025 as highlighted below:

DAY AND DATE & TIME	EVENT	PARTICIPATION	VENUE
1st Day – 23rd June 2025 8.30-14.00 Hrs	15th ARSO Champions Meeting	Closed Meeting for Only ARSO Champions Members)	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
1st and 2nd Days – 23rd and 24th June 2025 14.00-17.00hrs/ 8.30-17.00 Hrs	72nd ARSO Council Meeting	Closed Meeting for Only ARSO Council Members	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
3rd Day – 25th June 2025 – 8.30-11.00 Hrs.	Official Opening Ceremony of the 2025 ARSO Week/29th GA Events & High-Level panel discussions – Fair and Just Trade under the AfCFTA through harmonised standards.	All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders)	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
3rd Day – 25th June 2025 – 11.00 -17.00 Hrs.	The African Day of Standardisation. Session 1: Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – where are we in Standardisation on the implementation of the TBT Annex 6 of the Agreement and what to be done ?Session 2 : The Africa Renewable Energy and leveraging on the benefits of the implementation of the Sustainability standards and Eco Mark Africa certification Scheme.Session 3: Creating opportunities for Fair and Just Intra-African and Global Trade and the need for acceptability of Conformity Assessment Results	All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders)	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
4th and 5th Day 26th and 27th June 2025 – 10.30 – 17:00 Hrs.	29th ARSO General Assembly	All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders)	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
Parallel Events
3rd -4th Day 25th – 26th June 2925   8.30-17.00 Hrs	ARSO TCs Capacity Building Sessions TC 67 and TC 68	Invited ARSO ARSO TCs Experts of the ARSO/TC 67, Equipment for petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas systems, and ARSO/TC 68, Bioenergy and biogas.	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
3rd, 4th, 5th  Day – 25th and 27th June 2025 8.30-17.00 Hrs	ARSO TCs Meetings and Capacity Building Session – ARSO/TC 09 & ARSO/TC 10	Invited ARSO ARSO TCs Experts ARSO/TC 09 & ARSO/TC 10 Task Force on the Business Plan.	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
1st – 5th Day 23rd –  27th June 2025 8.30-17.00 Hrs	Made in Africa (Made in Tanzania) Expo –  All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders).	SMEs Exhibitors of Tanzania/Zanzibar All delegates are free to visit the Exhibitions.	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
5th Day 27th June 2025 14:00 -17:00 Hrs	Industrial Visits & Zanzibar City  Tours and Tourism visits.	All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders)	Bakhresa Group – Zanzibar Milling Corporation ltd/ Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
5th Day 27th June 2025 19:00 -21:00 Hrs	Gala Dinner – Recognition/Awards Recognition and Awards for 12th Essay Competition WinnersRecognition and Awards for the Made in Africa-Expo Winners. Recognition for the contributors to the ARSO Fund.Closing Remarks by ARSO Officials and a Designated Tanzanian Government Official.	All delegates are free to visit the Exhibitions.	Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport, Zanzibar
Note:   Delegates are advised to book hotel accommodation directly with the various hotels of their choice as provided in the list of recommended hotels, quoting the prices, as highlighted. Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, delegates are responsible for arranging their own transportation to their respective hotels.Trasportation to and from the hotels to the meeting venue will only be provided for delegates who stay in the recommended hotels.Transportation will be available at 7.00-7.30 to pick delegates every morning from the hotels. Delegates are requested to share the names of their Hotels to organise for the Transportation services to and from the Meeting Venue.

Detailed Information

1. 1st Day – 23rd June 2025 – 8.30-14.00 Hrs. – ARSO Champions Meeting – (Attendance – Only ARSO Champions Members).

The Meeting is scheduled for  23rd June 2025 and is exclusively for the Champions members (Botswana (Vice Chairperson), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe and UNECA for the Regional Value Chains and Standardisation).

• 1st and 2nd Days – 23rd and 24th June 2025 – 14.00-17.00Hrs/8.30-17.00 Hrs – 72nd ARSO Council Meeting – (Attendance – Only ARSO Council Members)

The operations of ARSO are administered by the Council comprising of the President and twelve active Member Bodies. The 68^th ARSO Council has been scheduled to be held on 23rd and 24th June 2025 to review the implemented activities based on the ARSO programmes and strategies for execution in line with the goals of the 2022-2027 ARSO Strategic Plan and in line with the role of ARSO as per Annex 6 (TBT) and Annex 7 (SPS) of the AfCFTA Agreement. The meeting is exclusively for the ARSO Council members: Botswana (Vice President), Burkina Faso (Treasurer), Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, the Kingdom of Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania) Chaired by the ARSO President, Prof. Alex Dodoo of Ghana.

• 3rd Day – 25th June 2025 – 8.30-11.00 Hrs. – Official Opening Ceremony of the 2025 ARSO Week/31st ARSO General Assembly Events – (Attendance – All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders)

The Official Opening Ceremony of the 31st ARSO General Assembly has been scheduled for 25^th June 2025 between 8.30-10.30 Hrs. The Ceremony will be presided over by President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi,  and is open for all Delegates from member Sates and Stakeholders and will be addressed Honrouble Ministers,  ARO President and Secretary General and the Chief Guests, as follows:

1. Welcoming traditional dance entertainment (10Minutes)
2. Welcome Address by the Z B S Director General – Mr. Yusph Majid Nassor – (5 Minutes). –
3. Welcome Address by Urban West Regional commissioner (5 Minutes)
4. Remarks by the TBS Director General – Dr. Ashura Kantuzi – (5 Minutes).
5. Welcome Remarks by Secretary General – ARSO, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana – (5 Minutes).
6. Key Note Address by – Prof. Alex Dodoo, President, ARSO (10 Minutes).
7. Keynote Address by – Hon. Omar Said Shaaban, Minister for Trade and Industrial Development – (5 Minutes).
8. Keynote Address and welcoming guest of honor by – Hon. Dr. Selemani Saidi Jafo, Tanzania Minister for Investment, Trade, and Industry – (10 Minutes).
9. Key Note Address and Official Opening – H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, The President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar – (20 Minutes)..

A High-Level panel discussion on Fair and Just Trade under the AfCFTA through harmonised standards has also been organised during the Official Opening Ceremony with Discussants as follows:

Theme Highlights

1. Fair and Just Trade and benefits under the AfCFTA
2. Role of Trade and Industry Ministries in policy initiatives to promote Fair and Just Trade.
3. The AfCFTA Opportunities for promoting Intra-African Trade.
4. The Africa’s challenge and bottleneck of different Regulatory Frameworks.
5. Why Harmonisation and Implementation of International and African Standards matter.

Moderator :

ARSO Secretary General – Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana.

Discussants:

1. Prof. Alex Dodoo, ARSO President
2. Mrs Ron Osman, Director of Industry, ETTIM, AUC.
3. Ms. Poonam Deneswaree Mohin, Head Non-Tariff Measures, – AfCFTA Secretariat.
4. Dr. Selemani Saidi Jafo, Tanzania Minister for Investment, Trade, and Industry.
5. H.E. Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Kenya.

Dr. Sung Hwan Cho, ISO President.

• 3rd Day – 25th June 2025 – 11.00 – 17.00Hrs. The African Day of Standardisation – Open to all Delegates (Attendance – All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders)

Initiated in 2013, and celebrated annually among ARSO members and collectively during the ARSO General Assemblies every June during the ARSO Week and General Assembly Events, the African Day of Standardisation aims to raise awareness among African Policy makers, Leaders, Regulators, Industry, Academia, Consumers and the entire African Citizens on the benefits of standardisation and the related Quality Components to Africa’s Industrialisation, Integration and Economic Transformation and Development. Like the World Standards Day, ARSO initiated the Africa’s Standards Day to commemorate the birth of ARSO, push for the standardisation and Conformity Assessment Agenda in Africa and to celebrate the milestone of African standardisation as led by ARSO, focusing on the benefits and challenges. For The ARSO 2025 Week, an African Day of Standardisation Workshop has been organised under the following four Sessions and Presentations and discussions by Resource persons, discussants and Experts are scheduled:

Session 1: The Africa Renewable Energy and leveraging on the benefits of the implementation of the Sustainability standards and Eco Mark Africa certification Scheme.

Theme Highlights

• Harnessing the Biofuel re-newable Energy as well as the clean cooking fuel opportunities for Africa – Benefits and Challenges.
• The role of Sustainability standards and Eco Mark Africa certification Scheme .
• Partnerships and collaboration initiatives.

Moderator

Mr. Reuben Gisore, Technical Director, ARSO

Open/Overview Presentation

Ms. Christine Kalui, Biosafety Desk Officer, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

Discussants

1. Helge Senkpiel, Associate Expert (JPO), International Trade Centre (ITC).
2. Desigan Pillay – Business Line Leader – CESA, Government and Trade Services, Intertek.
3. Mr. Faisal Almahsn, Regional Initiative for Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking, Middle East Green Initiative, Oil Sustainability Program (OSP).
4. Suleiman Abdallah, Director of Quality Management, Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS).
5. Madame NDONGO nee AFANE Danielle, Directeur de l’Evaluation de la Conformité, Agence des Normes et de la Qualité (ANOR)/Cameroon.

Session 2: Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – where are we in Standardisation on the implementation of the TBT Annex 6 of the Agreement and what to be done?

Theme Highlights

• The AfCFTA provisions as per the TBT Annex 6 and SPS Annex 7
• Leveraging market opportunities under the AfCFTA through the African Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised standards.
• The PAQI initiatives on Coherent Regulatory Framework in the context of the African Quality Policy and the African continental technical regulatory Framework (ACTReF).

Moderator:

Ms. Esther Ngari – Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards.

Open/Overview Presentation:

Mr. Reuben Gisore, Technical Director, ARSO

Discussants

1. Ms. Susanah Munyiri Ochieng, Senior Advisor – TBT | Trade in Goods and Competition, AfCFTA Secretariat.
2. Ms Marxine Waite, Senior Programme Manager, Global Engagemenet – Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS).
3. Ms. Allen Mukhwana, Head of Programmes: Strengthening Science Ecosystems, Science for Africa Foundadtion (SFA)
4. Mr Mpho Phaloane, Vice-Chair –  AFRAC
5. Dr. Henry Kibet Rotich, President – AFRIMETS.

Session 3: Creating opportunities for Fair and Just Intra-African and Global Trade and the need for acceptability of Conformity Assessment Results

Theme Highlights

• Status of Intra-African Trade and the effects of Technical Barriers to Trade and the AfCFTA Opportunities.
• The Challenge and bottlenecks of different Conformity Assessment Procedures and Results.
• Leveraging the benefits of cooperation in Conformity Assessment  and acceptance of Conformity Assessment Results.
• The opportunities under the ARSO Dual Marking Scheme.
• Opportunities under the RECs and PAQI for strengthening Quality Infrastructure in Africa, including the Conformity Assessment.

Moderator

El Hadji Abdourahmane, Directeur Général, Association Sénégalaise de Normalisation (ASN).

Open/Overview Presentation.

Ms. Nadine Umutoni, Project Coordinator and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, ARSO/PAQI Joint Committee Coordinator.

Discussants

1. Ms. Stella Apolot – Principal Standards Officer, East African Community (EAC) Secretariat.
2. Mr Dhunraj Kassee, Director for Industrial Development and Trade, Southern African Development Community (SADC) Official –
3. Dr. Barbara Siegmund, Head of Section Q.35 Sub-Saharan Africa, PTB-Germany.
4. Mr. Bernard Bau Industrial Development Officer United Nations Industrial Organisation (UNIDO).
5. Mr. Wesley Aondo, Country Manager, Kenya and Regional VOC Manager – East and Southern Africa, COTECNA.
6. Togo – Dr. Essot’na Héyou BODJONA, Directeur général de k’Agence Togolaise de Normalisation, (ATN), Togo.

The Sessions will highlight various milestones in the Harmonisation of African Standards and Conformity Assessments, including the International Standards, while taking into consideration the role of Stakeholders.

• 4^th and 5^th Day  – 26^th and 27^th Jun2 2025 – 10.30 – 17:00 Hrs. 31st ARSO General Assembly – (Attendance – All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders).

The 31st ARSO General Assembly meeting  will be held, on 26th – 27th June 2025, to review the progress of the Organisation, since June 2024, the 30th ARSO GA Events held in Abuja, Nigeria. Representatives of all the 43 ARSO Member States, African Union Officials, African Organisations, Regional Economic Communities, Internationals partners, Organisations and Development Partners are expected to participate.

The ARSO Week give ARSO and its Stakeholders the opportunity to reflect, strategize and engage on the best way forward on cooperations.

Other Sideline Activities

• 25th and 26th June 2025 – ARSO TCs Experts Capacity Building –  (Attendance – Invited ARSO TCs Experts).

For effective exchange of Goods and services, the WTO encourages Harmonization, use of equivalence and mutual recognition in the free trade agreements, such as the AfCFTA. Currently ARSO Standards harmonisation activities are based on 15 priority sectors with 97 Technical Committees. This Capacity building event, to be sponsored by ARSO, is scheduled from 25th – 26th June 2025 and is expected to equip the Experts, (approximately, 40 Experts from different ARSO Member States) with the best international practice in standards and Conformity Assessment harmonisation.  The Capacity building and Training will be for the ARSO Invited ARSO ARSO TCs Experts of the

• ARSO/TC 67, Equipment for petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas systems, and
• ARSO/TC 68, Bioenergy and biogas.

25th and 27th June 2025 – ARSO/TC 09 & ARSO/TC 10 Experts Task Force discussions on the Business Plan.

• 3rd – 27th June 2025 – Made in Africa Expo –  (Attendance – All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders).

The Made in Africa Expo under the African Day of Standardisation is meant to create more awareness on the role of Manufacturing in Africa and the need to promote the quality of the African products for competitiveness through standardisation and effective Quality in Infrastructure.  This year’s event is expected to run from 23^rd – 27^th June 2025, targeting Made in Tanzania/Zanzibar, with the local Manufactures, SMEs, producers, famers and Traders participating in the Expo. The exhibitors will be given the opportunity to highlight their experiences and challenges with standardisation and conformity assessment issues in attempt to make their products competitive and accessible to markets. The Expo highlights are on the benefits of standardisation on ensuring increased manufacturing and trade through Quality, safe and competitive goods and service to facilitate intra-Africa trade and global market access. Best Exhibitors, with good standardisation and quality Management practices and application, will be recognised and warded, on 27^th June 2025, at the Gala Dinner event.

• The Made in Africa Expo is in tandem with the goals African Union SME  Strategy and Master Plan 2017-2021; the UN General Assembly’s 74th Plenary of 6th April, 2017 declaration of 27th June as Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day; the 25 July 2016, UN Resolution A/RES/70/293, proclaiming 2016-2025 as the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) and the Sep 27, 2016, G20 Initiative on Supporting Industrialization in Africa and Least Developed Countries in line with the 2030 Agenda.

• 27^TH June 2025 : 19:00-21:00 HRs:  12  ^th ARSO Continental Essay Competition Recognition and Awards Ceremony at the 29th GA Gala Dinner – (Attendance – All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders).

The ARSO Continental Essay competitions among the African Universities targeting the youth, is meant to enable the Youth (as future leaders, business men, policy makers, consumers, Traders, farmers, entrepreneurs) understand the role of Standardisation and Quality infrastructure in facilitating Africa’s transformation, modernization of factors of production, Manufacturing, Industrialisation and Trade and the sustainable development of Africa. The 12^th Essay Competition was under the theme, as approved by the 70th ARSO Council held on 17th – 18th June 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria during the 2024 ARSO Week, “Role of Education about Standardisation (EaS) in shaping Education and African Students for the Sustainable Development opportunities and challenges in the 21st Century”.  The  theme was based on the ARSO 2024 year theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century- Building a Quality Culture – “One Market-One Standard”, and which was also based on the  AU declaration of the year 2024 as the “Year of Education”, calling on governments to “accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4)”, Quality Education, and themed: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa. A total of 20 ARSO Members participated, The ARSO Central Secretariat received a total of 99 essays from 20 ARSO Members, namely; Botswana, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe., and the winners and participating countries, will be recognized and awarded on 27th June 2025 at the Gala Dinner.

It is recognised that Zanzibar has already held the National recognition and Awards Ceremony on 29^th April 2025, as in the picture.

• 27^TH June 2025 : 14:00-17:00 HRs:   – Industrial Visits & Tourism Excursion – (Attendance – All Delegates (Members and Stakeholders).

Industrial Visit are being organised for delegates to have a tour of Zanzibar Milling Corporation ltd, which has also embraced standardisation and certification systems as a means of their activities and production.  As part of the ARSO General Assembly 2025, two social programmes have been organized for delegates on Friday, 27th June 2025, from 14:30 hrs to 17:00 hrs. These include: Industrial Visit; and Tourism Excursion. Delegates who wish to join either the industrial visit or the tourism excursion are requested to register in advance by signing up at the ARSO GA Welcoming Desk. • All trips will depart promptly at 14:30 hrs. Delegates are kindly asked to gather at the Golden Tulip Hotel conference hall by 14:00 hrs for departure arrangements.

1. 27^TH June 2025 : 19:00-21:00 HRs:The Gala Dinner Recognition Events.
2. Recognition and Awards for 12th Essay Competition Winners
3. Recognition and Awards for the Made in Africa-Expo Winners.
4. Recognition and Awards for the best performing ARSO TC –
5. Recognition for the contributors to the ARSO Fund.
6. Closing Remarks by ARSO Officials and a Designated Tanzanian Government Official.

ARSO BRIEF – Inauguration of Mr. Botsile Kebapetse as ARSO President for 2025-2028 Term of Office

The 31^st General Assembly will, among other things, elect the ARSO Councill for the 2025-2028 Term of Office and officially inaugurate Mr. Botsile Kebapetse as ARSO President for 2025-2028 Term of Office, after his election, unanimously, by the ARSO General Assembly at its 30th Session as the ARSO President for the 2025-2028 Term of Office, and the ARSO President-Elect for the Period 2024-2025. This is in the observance of the ARSO Constitutional Provision which provides that ““One year prior to the completion of office of the President, the next President shall be elected and shall commence his/her duties upon approval by the GA”. Mr. Botsile Kebapetse is the Botswana Bureau of Standards Managing Director, and the current ARSO Vice President, since 2022. Mr. Botsile will be taking over from Professor Alex Dodoo, the current ARSO President and the Executive Director of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

Prof. Alex Dodoo, in November 2024, in ushering the new leadership in ARSO come June 2025, highlighted the continuing focus on the greater expectations on ARSO under the AfCFTA , which under its TBT Annex 6 and SPS Annex 7, calls on the State parties to cooperate in the development and harmonisation of Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment procedures, and which remains crucial for the ongoing implementation of the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) that was launched in Accra, Ghana on 7 October 2022 (currently under nine participating countries – Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Tunisia)  and which seeks to allow commercially meaningful trading, while testing the operational, institutional, legal and trade policy environment under the AfCFTA. This with a refocus of attention to the promotion of the competitiveness of the Made in Africa products and the Regional Value Chains (RVCs)  in promoting intra-African Trade, as though, the International trade and investment provide a path for African countries to reach their full economic potential, there is increased call on the need for tapping into the potentials and sustainability of the regional value chains across the continent and with the need for a common regulatory framework, including harmonised standards and conformity Assessment.

 In the picture, Prof. Dodoo, being inaugurated as the ARSO President and received the ARSO flag from the then, outgoing ARSO President (2019-2022), the late Charles Booto a Ngon, Director General of ANOR, Cameroon,  at the 28th Session of the ARSO General Assembly in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in June 30, during which Prof. Dodoo paid glowing tribute to his predecessor Mr. Charles Booto a Ngon for steering the organisation well through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic period, noting, “Your distinct, progressive agenda has made significant, long-lasting contributions to this organisation, and my determination is to build on your legacy and uphold the highest aspirations of this notable organisation,” .

WELCOME TO ZANZIBAR – DELEGATE INFORMATION GUIDE

ABOUT ZANZIBAR ISLAND

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania located in the Indian Ocean. It comprises two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and several smaller islets.

• Climate: Tropical climate with two rainy seasons (March–May and November), and warm temperatures year-round (average 25–32°C).
• Population: Approximately 1.8 million people.
• Language: Kiswahili is the official language, with English widely spoken in tourism and business sectors.
• Geographical Area: Covers about 2,650 square kilometers, with Unguja being the largest island.
• Time Zone: GMT +3.

Zanzibar is known for its cultural heritage, spice farms, and beautiful white-sand beaches.

VISA INFORMATION

• Delegates must apply for a visa online by completing the application form, making the required payment, and submitting their application through the official visa portal: https://visa.immigration.go.tz.,
• Applicants can also track the status of their application through the same portal.
• In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview at the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Consular Office.
• or comprehensive information on visa requirements and categories, delegates are advised to visit the Immigration Department’s official page: https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/immigration-services/visa-

information

TRAVEL TO ZANZIBAR

·        Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

Delegates are expected to arrive ZANZIBAR through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), the island’s main point of entry. The airport is located approximately 6 km from Stone Town and handles nearly all international and domestic flights.

·        Via Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam

For delegations arriving via Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and continuing onward to Zanzibar by domestic flights, no transportation arrangements will be arranged. Delegates are responsible for making their own connections to Zanzibar.

• However, local support staff may be present at the domestic terminal to assist with general guidance and directions. Delegates are advised to book connecting flights to Zanzibar in advance. Flight duration from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is approximately 20–25 minutes.

TRANSPORTATION

• Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, delegates are responsible for arranging their own transportation to their respective hotels.

• Recommended local transport options include:
  • Airport taxis: readily available at the terminal
  • Hotel shuttles: if booked in advance directly through your accommodation

LOCAL TRANSPORT

• Delegates will be provided with daily transportation from hotel to the meeting venue and back for all official meeting days. This service will be available only for delegates staying at hotels listed from the recommended hotel list.
• To facilitate this arrangement, delegates must submit their hotel booking details in advance to the coordination team.
• General Transport: Taxis are available. Ensure to agree on the fare before boarding.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION AND POWER PLUGS

• Most hotels offer Wi-Fi.
• Power plugs are Type G (UK-style) – voltage is 220V. If you’re traveling from a country with a different plug type, it’s advisable to bring a suitable adapter.
• Plug outlets in Zanzibar: What adapters do I need for Zanzibar?

• Zanzibar has 2 associated plug types: type D and type G.  Type G is the most commonly used plug in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Plugs sockets require the three-pronged British plugs but there are some that are wired to accept the two-pronged European kind. It’s best to take a universal travel adaptor with you so that you can use all available electrical sockets.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

• All travellers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries must be vaccinated against yellow fever and present proof of vaccination upon arrival at the point of entry.
• Delegates are required to purchase Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) via the link: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz.
  • Cost: $44 USD per adult; $22 USD for children aged 3–17; free for children under 3.
  • This requirement applies even if you already have international travel insurance.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

• First aid and essential medical support will be available at the meeting venue for delegates who may require it;
• For more serious medical issues, delegates will be referred to Lumumba Hospital. Emergency treatment will be covered under the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). An ambulance and medical team will be stationed at the meeting venue during official meeting hours.
• For emergencies outside meeting hours, delegates should contact the hotel reception. If further assistance is needed, please contact the coordination team.

OTHER USEFUL TIPS

• Dress Modestly: Delegates are encouraged to dress modestly, particularly in public spaces, in respect of local customs and cultural norms.
• Local Currency: The local currency is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), but US Dollars (USD) are also widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases.
• Local Currency: The local currency is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), but US Dollars (USD) are also widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases. Foreign Exchange services is available for United States Dollar | The Euro | Pound Sterling | Swiss Franc | Indian Rupee | Japanese Yen | South African Rand | Chinese Renminbi | Australian Dollar | United Arab Emirates Dirham | Canadian Dollar.

• Safety: Zanzibar is generally safe for visitors, but exercise caution with valuables and in unfamiliar areas.
• Water: It’s recommended to drink bottled water to avoid health issues or illness.

SOCIAL PROGRAMMES

As part of the ARSO General Assembly 2025, two social programmes have been organized for delegates on Friday, 27th June 2025, from 14:30 hrs to 17:00 hrs. These include:

1. Industrial Visit; and
2. Tourism Excursion

A.    HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Delegates who wish to join either the industrial visit or the tourism excursion are requested to register in advance by signing up at the ARSO GA Welcoming Desk.

• All trips will depart promptly at 14:30 hrs.
  • Delegates are kindly asked to gather at the Golden Tulip Hotel conference hall by 14:00 hrs for departure arrangements.

B.  TOURISM EXCURSION

Destination: Spice Plantations – Zanzibar

Departure Time: 14:30 hrs by Bus

Assembly Point: Golden Tulip Hotel Conference Hall – 14:00 hrs

Transfer back hotel: 17.00hrs

Experience the Fragrant Charm of Zanzibar

Delegates will embark on a cultural trip to experience Zanzibar Island’s world- renowned spice plantations. The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich agricultural heritage, aromatic spice farms, and local farming traditions.

Delegates will visit selected spice farms, where they will:

• Learn about the                         cultivation of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, and other spices;
• Enjoy guided walks through the lush plantations, with opportunities to see, touch, smell and taste various spices in their natural form;
• Discover the historical and economic significance of the spice trade in Zanzibar;
• Have a chance to purchase fresh, locally produced spices as souvenirs.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

C.  INDUSTRIAL VISIT

Destination: Bakhresa Group – Zanzibar Milling Corporation ltd

Departure Time: 14:30 hrs by bus

Assembly Point: Golden Tulip Hotel Conference Hall – 14:00 hrs

Transfer back hotel: 17.00hrs

Zanzibar milling corporation ltd

About the Industry:

Established in 1994, the company began operations with a milling capacity of 120 MT/day for wheat, 50 MT/day for maize, and 60 MT/hour for paddy.

Currently operating under Said Salim Bakhresa & Company Ltd, Zanzibar Milling has expanded its wheat milling capacity to 320 MT per day. The maize and paddy milling operations have been relocated to more suitable locations.

Zanzibar Milling Corporation Ltd is part of the Bakhresa Group of Companies, which operates across East, Central, and Southern Africa, with its headquarters in Tanzania.

EXCURSIONS IN ZANZIBAR

Stone Town Tour: This is a three-hour tour that starts at your hotel or entry point where you’ll stroll through the historic Old Town. Our first visit during this Zanzibar tour is the fruit market which was opened in 1904. You will see and buy a variety of tropical fruits and spices. This is the best place where you will feel the multiculturalism of Zanzibar, made up of residents from different backgrounds. From there, you will then head to the Anglican Cathedral of Mkunazini built by Bishop Streers in 1874, exactly on the site of the former slave market. The guide will also show you where slaves are believed to have been kept before being auctioned. The church’s crucifix came from the Chitambo tree, under which Dr. Livingstone’s heart was buried. From here you will visit the National Museums of Zanzibar, commonly known as the Peace Memorial Museums.

Spice Tour: A guided tour of three to four hours, You will pass by the spice plantations of Kizimbani. Here you can see, touch a wide variety of spices, fruits, aromatic herbs, plants and ornamental flowers. You’ll also have the opportunity to pick, smell, and enjoy fruits and spices you’ve probably never seen on supermarket shelves, cloves, star fruits, tangerines, lemongrass, mangoes, “lip trees,” etc. little of what you can expect to see! This is the cheapest place to buy

locally made oils and perfumes. When the tour is over we return to your hotel

Safari Blue: “The most talked about sea adventure on Zanzibar”, a very special product that includes a full-day excursion to discover the beautiful Menai Bay Conservation Area, in the south-west of the island of Zanzibar. Blue Safari starts at 9am and ends at 4pm. Safari Blue departs from the fishing village of Fumba and explores from there the sandbanks, islands, lagoons and wonders of the bay and indian Ocean in the comfort of our traditional boats. THE tour starts with the first stop at the sandbank, followed by snorkelling over the coral reef, seafood lunch will be served at Kwale Island. A few minutes later, we will visit the baobab, a very large tree and we finish by swimming on the mangrove lagoon (the natural pool).

Prison Island Tour: A relaxing half-day tour of the beautiful island off the coast of Zanzibar City, 30 minutes from Stone Town crossing by small boat. The use of the island has now changed, whether it was originally built as a prison, it has never been assigned to this function. Later, it was used as about forty slaves for all of East Africa. The remains of the construction are still visible. The island offers a breathtaking view of the city especially during the night; There is a very nice little sandy beach where swimming in the crystal clear waters is a wonder. It is also home to the giant tortoise, which is now under strict conservation. A brief guided tour of the island will provide the true picture.

Nakupenda Island: Nakupenda in swahili Means “I love you”. It was regularly visited by the honeymooners or newly wedded couple who went to celebrate their marriage and that is the reason why it was called Nakupenda. It is an extension after visiting the island of Prison. You will have the opportunity to walk on the sandbank, swim and snorkel next to the island. Lunch is included

Jozani Forest: This is a guided tour that lasts three hours to visit the forest. The forest is the only remaining natural vegetation. It is a homeland of many endemic species of fauna and flora. Here you will see the red monkey, velvet cats, snakes, mangroves, a variety of small trees, shrubs, marshes and grasses. Walking through the mangrove plateau, you will see shrimp and different species of mangroves. This is the best trip to

discover the nature of the forest and you will have the unique opportunity to see and take photos and videos with the red colobus monkey found only in Zanzibar.

Mnemba Island: Located in the north of the island in the fishing village of Matemwe is home to several schools of white-nosed dolphins and humpback dolphins, which can often be spotted after a short boat trip from the village. If you’re lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to dolphins, which can be a very rewarding experience. This excursion will also allow you to snorkel next to the Mnemba Island, full of fish and corals, lunch, fruit and drinks are included in the program.

Beaches of Zanzibar: Famous for their powdery white sands and clear tropical waters, Zanzibar beaches are a gateway to colourful world of coral reefs and marine life just offshore. When people in Zanzibar are not swimming, snorkeling or diving, they are relaxing under the shade of the palm trees.

ACCOMMODATION

Reservation and Pick up Logistics

1. Delegates are advised to book hotel accommodation directly with the various hotels of their choice as provided in the list of recommended hotels, quoting the prices, as highlighted.
2. Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, delegates are responsible for arranging their own transportation to their respective hotels.
3. Trasportation to and from the hotels to the meeting venue will only be provided for delegates who stay in the recommended hotels.
4. Transportation will be available at 7.00-7.30 to pick delegates every morning from the hotels.
5. Delegates are requested to share the names of their Hotels to organise for the Transportation services to and from the Meeting Venue.

Delegates are responsible for covering the full cost of their accommodation during their stay in the United Republic of Tanzania. The following are recommended Hotels for accommodation

ARSO PICTORIALS – JANUARY – MARCH 2025 – ARSO ROLES AND STRATEGIES IN IMPLEMENTING THE AfCFTA THROUGH THE PIC TURES
26th – 278 March 2026: Kenyan Delegation, led by the KEBS MD, holds discussions with the ISO Officials at the WTO TBT Committee meeting in Swrtzerland, Geneva.	2oth – 21st March 2025, Addid Ababa, Ethiopia – Dr. Nsengimana, 1st on the right rwa, joins in the discussions during the 5th Steering Committee of the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).	2oth – 21st March 2025, Addid Ababa, Ethiopia – Delegates at the5th Steering Committee of the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
25th – 26th March 2025 – Kigali, Rwanda, Experts at the working session during the meeting of the ARSO/TC 73 on  Financial Services harmonisation of Standards for the Financial Secretor.	25th – 26th March 2025 – Kigali, Rwanda, Mrs. Marlene KANYANGE, Director, SPTTA Unit at the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) aadersiing Experts during the meeting of the ARSO/TC 73 on  Financial Services harmonisation of Standards for the Financial Secretor,	25th – 26th March 2025 – Kigali, Rwanda, Ms. Nadine Umutoni  ARSO Project Coordinator (below), addressing Experts during the meeting of the ARSO/TC 73 on  Financial Services harmonisation of Standards for the Financial Secretor,
25th – 28th February 2025, Dar Es-Salaam, Tanzania. Dr. Nsengimana presenting onformation about ARSO to the Media durng the ARSO PC 01 Standards harmonisation meeting for the Good Research Management Practice (ARSO/GRMP), in which ARSO in cooperation with the Science for Africa Foundation is developing. The Event was co-hosted with Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). The events he eevent  event was officially opened by Dr. Suleiman Hassan Serera, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade (also fielding questins to the media, on the left) , and addressed by Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary General ARSO and Dr. Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer of the Science for African Foundation; Mr. Lazaro Msasalaga, Acting Director General, TBS.
10th March 2025, Nairobi, Kenya:  The ARSO Secretary General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana and Dr. Walter Ongeti the KENAS Chief Executive Officer, leading the ARSO and KENAS Officials during the MoU signing Ceremony at the ARSO Central Secretariat, Nairobi, Kenya.	10th March 2025, Nairobi, Kenya:  The ARSO Secretary General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana making clarifications on the benefits of the ARSO- KENAS MoU signing Ceremony at the ARSO Central Secretariat, Nairobi, Kenya.	10th March 2025, Nairobi, Kenya:  The ARSO Secretary General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Dr. Walter Ongeti the KENAS Chief Executive Officer and the ARSO and KENAS Officials during the MoU signing Ceremony at the ARSO Central Secretariat, Nairobi, Kenya.
3rd – 5th March 2025 – Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, right, and Dr. Bekele Messeret during a tour of the ESI headquartyers and facilities during the 26th PAQI Joint  Committee meeing at the ESI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.	3rd – 5th March 2025 – Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, right, and Dr. Bekele Messeret during the 26th PAQI Joint  Committee meeing at the ESI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.	3rd – 5th March 2025 – Dr. Rotich, the AFRAC President, and the Current PAQI Chairpeson, second left, guiding discussions at the 26th PAQI Joint  Committee meeing at the ESI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
13th February 2025, Cotonou, Benin. Delegates at the Gender Mainstreaming in Standaisation Event, organised by UNECE.	13th February 2025, Cotonou, Benin. Ms. Nadine Umutoni ®, the ARSO Representative with other panelists, during the Gender Mainstreaming in Standaisation Event, organised by UNECE.	13th February 2025, Cotonou, Benin. Mr Lance Thomas, leads the delegates through Gender Mainstreaming in Standardisation session  during the Gender Mainstreaming in Standaisation Event, organised by UNECE.
26th February 2025, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania – Dr. Nsengimana, signing the vistors book at the TBS Director Genera’s office during the discussions with the TBS Team on the logistics for the 31st ARSO General Assembly events to be hosted by Tanzania in Zanzibar on 23rd – 27th June 2025. Looking on is Mr. Lazarus Sakalaga, the then acting Director General.	26th February 2025, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania – Dr. Nsengimana, leading discussions with the TBS Team on the logistics for the 31st ARSO General Assembly events to be hosted by Tanzania in Zanzibar on 23rd – 27th June 2025.	26th February 2025, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania – Dr. Nsengimana, leading discussions with the TBS Team on the logistics for the 31st ARSO General Assembly events to be hosted by Tanzania in Zanzibar on 23rd – 27th June 2025.
27th January 2025, Kampala, Uganda – The UNBS Executive Director Mr. Peter Kaigwa right with other delagates at 25th session of the FAO/WHO coordinating committee for Africa (CCAFRICA25).	27th January 2025, Kampala, Uganda – Dr. Nasengimana and other Delagates at 25th session of the FAO/WHO coordinating committee for Africa (CCAFRICA25).	27th January 2025, Kampala, Uganda – Delagates at 25th session of the FAO/WHO coordinating committee for Africa (CCAFRICA25).
h January 2025, Kampala, Uganda – The UNBS Executive Director Mr. Peter Kaigwa presents a recognition award to Mr. Hakim Mufumbiro in recognition of his dedication as the CODEX Africa Chair during the CODEX meetings in Kampala, Uganda.	27th January 2025, Kampala, Uganda –  Delegates following proceedings during the CODEX meetings in Kampala, Uganda.	27th January 2025, Kampala, Uganda – The UNBS Executive Director Mr. Peter Kaigwa presents a recognition award to Mr. Ben Mayindo, the former UNBS Execetive Director during the CODEX meetings in Kampala, Uganda.
29th April 2025, the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards holds its National Recognition and Awards Cermony for the 12th ARSO Essay Competion winners.