Only 28% of AfCFTA Tariff Lines Covered by Harmonised Standards, Raising Trade Barriers

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) currently has harmonised standards covering only 28 percent of its tariff lines, a shortfall that threatens to impede the goal of seamless intra-African trade.

This issue was highlighted during recent meetings of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Council and General Assembly held in Mombasa, Kenya, under the theme "Standards enabling intra-African trade: One certificate working for you." The event was hosted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

Call for Mutual Recognition of Certifications

KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari stressed that manufacturers should not be required to obtain new product certifications when entering different African markets if their goods already comply with agreed continental standards. She noted that the current practice of repeated testing and certification at various borders increases costs and delays, hindering trade efficiency.

Ngari illustrated that a product certified in Nairobi should be accepted in markets such as South Africa, Ghana, or Morocco without undergoing further assessments.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Only about 2,700 standards have been harmonised, covering a limited portion of the AfCFTA tariff lines.
• Ten African countries have yet to join ARSO, despite a 2014 heads of state resolution urging full continental membership.
• Investment in testing laboratories and conformity assessment facilities is needed to ensure proper verification of products against standards.
• The Africa Quality Mark initiative, currently active in nine countries, aims to promote recognition of compliant products, initially focusing on agro-processing sectors.

Broader Impact on Trade

Intra-African trade accounts for approximately 16 percent of total trade on the continent. Stakeholders believe that harmonised standards and mutual recognition agreements can significantly enhance trade volumes by reducing redundant costs and procedural barriers.

ARSO Champions Chair Nathan Sin'gambwa emphasized that membership alone is insufficient; countries must implement and enforce common standards to facilitate genuine market integration.

Standards as a Business Investment

Officials encouraged manufacturers and entrepreneurs to view compliance with standards not merely as an expense but as an investment that boosts product quality, consumer confidence, and competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

Ngari added that meeting recognised standards is increasingly important for businesses aiming to supply major retail chains and access export markets.