32nd ARSO General Assembly

ARSO Week 2026
Kampala, Uganda

“Standards enabling Intra-Africa trade under the AfCFTA – One Certificate Working for You”

15–19 June 2026Monday – Friday
Speke Resort MunyonyoKampala, Uganda
Hosted by UNBSUganda National Bureau of Standards
Register Now ↗ View Programme
Countdown to Opening — Mon 15 Jun 2026
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About the Event

The 32nd ARSO General Assembly

The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) convenes its 32nd General Assembly as part of ARSO Week 2026, hosted by the Government of the Republic of Uganda through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).

Held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kampala, the week-long programme features technical workshops, the African Day of Standardisation Forum, the official General Assembly meeting, the Made in Africa Expo, and recognition ceremonies including the 13th Continental Essay Competition awards.

42+Member States
5Event Days
14+Sessions

Event Theme

“Standards enabling Intra-Africa trade under the AfCFTA – One Certificate Working for You”

Reflecting ARSO’s strategic drive toward harmonised standards and a unified conformity assessment framework that removes technical barriers to trade across the continent.

Arrivals: Sunday, 14 June 2026
Programme: Mon 15 – Fri 19 June 2026
Departures: Saturday, 20 June 2026
Parallel throughout: Made in Africa/Uganda Expo · ARSO TC Meetings · Capacity Building Sessions
Full Programme

Week at a Glance

Session-by-session programme for all five days. All plenary sessions at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.

Day 1 – Monday, 15th June 2026Parallel Sessions Day
08:00 – 10:30
17th ARSO Champions Meeting MEERA
Champion Members Only

Zambia (Chair), South Africa (Vice-Chair), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, UNECA

Workshop on Cosmetology & Related Standards and Conformity Assessment Programmes VICTORIA

Theme: “Harnessing Africa’s Cosmetology Industry for Sustainable Growth: Addressing Regulatory and Technological Barriers to Global Trade and Competitiveness”

  • Global beauty and personal care industry outlook and Africa’s strategic role
  • Market trends, untapped potential, and regulatory/technological challenges
  • Role of standards and conformity assessment in quality, safety, and market access
  • Strengthening market surveillance systems for African beauty products
  • Empowering SMEs through standards and certification
Moderator: ARSO/SABS Official, South Africa · Overview: Intertek Official
Discussants: CEN/CENELEC, GSO, SON/Nigeria, Intertek, TBS/Tanzania, Kenya PPB
All Members & Stakeholders
10:30 – 11:00 · Coffee / Tea Break
11:00 – 12:00 · VICTORIA
ISO-ARSO Enhanced Cooperation Agreement / The Kigali Agreement – Implementation Roadmaps
  • The ISO-ARSO Enhanced Agreement – outline and strategic benefits
  • Implementation strategies: Annex I (standards development & harmonisation) and Annex II (licensing & copyright)
Moderators: Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana (ARSO SG) & Sergio Mujica (ISO SG) · Overview: ISO Official · Discussants: All delegates – Open Session
All Members & Stakeholders
12:00 – 13:00 · VICTORIA
ARSO Strategic Plan 2027–2032: Review of Proposed Strategic Mission, Vision, Goals, Objectives and Activities
  • From 2022–2027 to 2027–2032 Strategic Plan – milestones and challenges
  • 2027–2032 strategic direction in the context of SDGs 2030, Agenda 2063, AfCFTA, and African Quality Policy
  • Strategic Mission, Vision, Goals, Objectives, Activities and outcomes
  • Implementation Plan including partnerships and collaborations
Moderator: Ms. Nadine Umutoni, M&E Officer / ARSO PAQI Coordinator
Presenters: Ms. Thabisa Mbunguana (South Africa), Ms. Susanah Munyiri (AfCFTA Secretariat)
All Members & Stakeholders
13:00 – 14:00 · Lunch Break · Parallel Sessions After Lunch
14:00 – 17:30
74th ARSO Council Meetings – Plenary Opening (incl. GSP & FRAC) MEERA
Council Members Only

Burkina Faso (Vice President), Cameroon (Treasurer), Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya. Chaired by the President.

ISO Digitalization Initiatives: Digital Evolution and Business Transformation VICTORIA
ⓘ Concurrent with 74th ARSO Council Meetings
  • Digital evolution and business transformation – African perspectives
  • Smart Standardisation: why SMART standards and their benefits
  • The IEC/ISO SMART Standards Programme
  • Implications for Manufacturers, Regulators, Standards Developers, End Users
  • Opportunities and challenges for ISO members
Moderator & Overview: ISO Official · All Members & Stakeholders
17:30 – 18:00 · Coffee / Tea Break
Day 2 – Tuesday, 16th June 2026
08:00 – 13:00 · GPS – MEERA · FRAC – VICTORIA
74th ARSO Council Meetings – GPS & FRAC Session
GPS & FRAC Council Members Only

Burkina Faso (Vice President), Cameroon (Treasurer), Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya.

08:00 – 17:30 (All Day)
ARSO Technical Committees Meeting
ⓘ Concurrent with Plenary Sessions throughout Day 2
TC Experts and Resource Persons Only
10:30 – 11:00 · Coffee / Tea Break
13:00 – 14:00 · Lunch Break
14:00 – 17:00
74th ARSO Council Meetings – GPS & FRAC Session & Plenary
GPS & FRAC Council Members Only
14:00 – 16:00
Singapore-Africa Trade & Supporting Quality Infrastructure MEERA
ⓘ Concurrent with: Textiles & Leather Workshop and ARSO TC Meeting
  • Capacity Building Workshop on Enhancing National Quality Infrastructure (NQI)
  • Quality Infrastructure for Economic Transformation: Singapore’s Standards, Conformity Assessment and Accreditation
  • Food Safety and Cold Chain Logistics including Singapore’s experience
All Members & Stakeholders
ARSO Workshop on Textiles and Leather VICTORIA

Theme: “Leveraging the Potentials of the Textile and Leather Industry for Africa’s Economic Development and Intra-African Trade”

  • Status and potential of Africa’s Textile and fashion industry
  • Challenges including second-hand clothes; need to promote SMEs
  • Strategic importance of Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment
  • Benefits of Africa’s Body Measurements, Clothing and Footwear under AfCFTA and AGOA
Moderator: Prof. Igadwa Josphat, ARSO TC 53 Chair · Overview: Ms. Clementine Mukamana
Discussants: Afreximbank, ALLPI, COMESA Official, ARSO Member State – Burkina Faso, EiTEX
All Members & Stakeholders
17:30 – 18:00 · Coffee / Tea Break
Day 3 – Wednesday, 17th June 2026Official Opening · African Day of Standardisation
08:00 – 10:30 · VICTORIA
World Bank Seminar on the World Development Report 2025 – “Standards for Development”
  • WDR 2025 Overview: standards as “hidden infrastructure” shaping productivity, market access, and trust
  • Standardisation as a Tool for Development: productivity, market access, and sustainability
  • Making Standards Work in Practice: capacity, inclusion, and system design – challenges in Africa
  • Public and Private Standards: complementarities, tensions, and coordination
  • Strategies and Partnerships to Strengthen Standardisation Systems in Africa
Moderator: Ms. Esther Ngari, MD KEBS, ARSO Council · Overview: Xavier Gine, Director WDR 2025 & Lead Economist, World Bank
Discussants: Xavier Gine (World Bank), Raymond Murenzi (RSB DG), Bernard Bau (UNIDO), AFREXIM Bank Representative, Mr. Sergio Mujica (SG, ISO)
All Members & Stakeholders
10:30 – 11:00 · Coffee / Tea Break
11:00 – 12:00 · VICTORIA
🎉 Official Opening Ceremony of the 32nd ARSO GA Events / ARSO WEEK 2026
  • Welcoming Remarks – Eng. James Kasigwa, Executive Director, UNBS
  • Welcoming Remarks – Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, ARSO Secretary General
  • Keynote Address – Honourable Guest of Honour, AUC
  • Keynote Address – Mr. Kebapetse Botsile, President, ARSO
  • Keynote Address and Official Opening – Uganda Government Official
  • Launch of the Sustainability and Circular Economy Standards
  • Vote of Thanks – Master of Ceremony, UNBS
All Members & Stakeholders
12:00 – 13:00 · VICTORIA
High-Level Panel Discussion – “Standards enabling Intra-Africa trade under the AfCFTA – One Certificate Working for You”
  • The Status of intra-African and Global Trade in Africa
  • Challenges of different standards and Conformity Assessment Procedures as Technical Barriers to Trade
  • The need for One Certification and Quality Mark – the ARSO Quality Mark and Certification Scheme
  • Benefits of harmonised standards and Conformity Assessment Procedures under AfCFTA TBT Annex 6
  • Role of Trade and Industry Ministries in policy initiatives
Moderator: Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, ARSO SG
Discussants: Mr. Botsile Kebapetse (ARSO President), Dr. Khaled Soufi (President, ISO), AfCFTA Secretariat Official, Minister for Trade Uganda, Ms. Lena Darghama (SG, RNF)
All Members & Stakeholders
13:00 – 14:00 · Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:00 · African Day of Standardisation – Session 1
Agro-Processing

Theme: “The Role of Agro-processing Industries in Sustainable Development and the Challenge of Incoherent Regulatory Frameworks in Africa”

  • Status of Agro-processing and contributions to Africa’s economic growth and Intra-African Trade
  • Technical Barriers to Trade and SPS Challenges in the Agro-processing Industry
  • ARSO standardisation and Conformity Assessment Programmes in the context of AfCFTA TBT Annex 6
  • Challenges and need for Capacity Building for SMEs within the Agro-processing Industry
Moderator: Mr. Reuben Gisore, Technical Director, ARSO · Overview: Ms. Liliane Kamanzi
Discussants: AfDB, ITC, Uganda SME, AOAC International, TMA · All Members & Stakeholders
15:00 – 16:00 · African Day of Standardisation – Session 2
ARSO Conformity Assessment Programme (ARSO ACAP)

Theme: “Strengthening Africa’s Quality Infrastructure: The Strategic Role of Conformity Assessment in Trade and Sustainable Development”

  • Overview of global trends and best international practices in conformity assessment
  • ARSO ACAP in the context of the WTO TBT Agreement and AfCFTA: implementation status, strategies, challenges
  • The ARSO Quality Mark as a “One Certificate” model enabling market access under AfCFTA
  • Promoting Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity and mutual recognition of conformity assessment procedures
  • Role of national and regional conformity assessment bodies and collaboration with PAQI institutions and RECs
Moderator: Eng. James Kasigwa, Executive Director, UNBS · Overview: Mr. Reuben Gisore, Technical Director, ARSO
Discussants: Abdourahamane Ndione (DG, ASN, Senegal), EAC Representative, KENAS Official, PTB-Germany, COTECNA · All Members & Stakeholders
16:00 – 17:00 · African Day of Standardisation – Session 3
Eco Mark Africa Certification and Voluntary Sustainable Standards (VSS)

Theme: “Aligning Standards, Certification, and Trade Policy with the 2030 SDGs to Accelerate Sustainable Industrialisation and Development in Africa”

  • Overview of SDGs with emphasis on Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Role of Voluntary Sustainable Standards (VSS) and eco-certification in enabling sustainable trade in Africa
  • Eco Mark Africa Certification Scheme: value proposition, certification process, and implementation status
  • Aligning Eco Mark Africa with global regulatory frameworks (e.g. EUDR)
  • Made in Africa (MiA) Certification: opportunities and barriers for SMEs in green value chains
  • Need for standards aligned to UN SDGs, UNCRPD and AU Protocol Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Moderator: ANOR Cameroun Official, ARSO Council · Overview: IISD Official
Discussants: ARSO COCO Chairperson, Nathan Singambwa (CEO, ZABS Zambia), Inable, IACO, UNECA, IISD, Ms. Marxine Waite (ECOS) · All Members & Stakeholders
17:30 – 18:00 · Coffee / Tea Break
Day 4 – Thursday, 18th June 2026Official 32nd ARSO General Assembly Meeting
08:00 – 10:30 · VICTORIA
32nd ARSO General Assembly Meeting
All Members & Stakeholders — based on GA normal agenda
10:30 – 11:00 · Coffee / Tea Break
11:00 – 13:00 · VICTORIA
32nd ARSO General Assembly Meeting (continued)
All Members & Stakeholders — based on GA normal agenda
13:00 – 14:00 · Lunch Break
14:00 – 17:30 · VICTORIA
32nd ARSO General Assembly Meeting (afternoon session)
All Members & Stakeholders — based on GA normal agenda
16:00 – 16:30 · Coffee / Tea Break (in-session)
Day 5 – Friday, 19th June 2026Stakeholder Excursions
08:00 – 15:00 · All Day
Stakeholders Engagements – Industrial Visits and Tourist Excursions

Jinja Town, Outskirts of Kampala City

ⓘ Concurrent with: Plenary Sessions

Delegates are invited to explore Jinja – the source of the River Nile – with industrial visits and cultural excursions. Full details on venue and logistics to be updated by UNBS.

All Members & Stakeholders
Running Throughout the Week

Special Events & Side Activities

15–19 Jun · All Week
Made in Africa / Uganda Expo
Exhibition Area at the venue. Uganda SMEs and enterprises with an ARSO Central Secretariat booth. Exhibitions, sales, and business discussions. The Guest of Honour will officially visit during the Opening Ceremony.
15–19 Jun · Running in Parallel
ARSO Technical Committee Meetings
Capacity building sessions for African experts, running concurrently with the main programme in separate venues throughout the week. Detailed information on specific TCs to be updated.
16 Jun · 19:00 – 20:00
Welcoming Cocktail
Speeches and refreshments welcoming all delegates and stakeholders to ARSO Week 2026. Open to all Members and Stakeholders.
18 Jun · 19:00 – 22:00
Gala Dinner & Recognition Awards
Recognition and awards for 13th Continental Essay Competition winners, Made in Africa-Expo winners, best performing ARSO TCs, and contributors to the ARSO Fund.
Featured Participants

Key Speakers & Discussants

HN
Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana
Secretary General, ARSO
Moderator & Speaker
KB
Mr. Kebapetse Botsile
President, ARSO
Keynote Speaker
SM
Mr. Sergio Mujica
Secretary-General, ISO
Speaker & Co-Moderator
KS
Dr. Khaled Soufi
President, ISO
Discussant
JK
Eng. James Kasigwa
Executive Director, UNBS
Host & Moderator
XG
Xavier Gine
Director, WDR 2025 · World Bank
Lead Presenter
EN
Ms. Esther Ngari
MD, KEBS · ARSO Council
Moderator
RG
Mr. Reuben Gisore
Technical Director, ARSO
Moderator & Presenter
RM
Raymond Murenzi
Director General, RSB
Discussant
IJ
Prof. Igadwa Josphat
Chair, ARSO TC 53
Moderator
LD
Ms. Lena Darghama
Secretary General, RNF
Discussant
NS
Nathan Singambwa
CEO, ZABS, Zambia
Discussant
Venue & Travel

Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala

Venue Details

Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda (shores of Lake Victoria)
15–19 June 2026 · Arrivals: 14 Jun · Departures: 20 Jun
Session Rooms: Victoria Hall (Plenary) · Meera Room (Parallel)
View on Google Maps ↗

Uganda Visa Information

African Union passport holders and citizens of many African nations enjoy visa-free access. Others may apply via the East African e-Visa portal.

Visa-Free: EAC Members AU Passport Holders e-Visa Available East African Tourist Visa

Delegates requiring invitation letters should contact UNBS or the ARSO Central Secretariat. Apply at visas.immigration.go.ug

Speke Resort Munyonyo Kampala, Uganda
On the shores of Lake Victoria
Nearest Airport:
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
~40 min drive from the resort

Hosted by:
Government of Uganda through
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)

Register for ARSO Week 2026

Secure your participation in the 32nd ARSO General Assembly. Delegates, member state representatives, and stakeholders are all welcome.

📅
Dates
15–19 June 2026
📍
Venue
Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala
✈️
Arrivals
14 June 2026 (Sunday)
Register Now at arso.unbs.go.ug ↗

Registration portal hosted by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards