Mwinyi to grace ARSO General Assembly in Z’bar

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi is expected to officiate the 31st General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and the 72nd ARSO Council Meeting, set to take place from June 23 to 27 in Zanzibar.

The high-level gathering will convene delegates from over 50 countries to deliberate on the future of quality standards and trade across the continent.

Hosting the ARSO General Assembly is a significant milestone for Tanzania, positioning the country at the forefront of Africa’s efforts to harmonise standards and deepen trade integration, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The event is expected to elevate Tanzania’s visibility in both regional and international standardisation platforms, while also offering a strategic avenue for local producers and service providers to showcase their products, attract investment and tap into new markets.

Speaking ahead of the event, Director General of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Dr Ashura Katunzi, said the assembly is expected to draw around 300 participants, including representatives from ARSO member states and various stakeholders in the standards sector, both within and outside Africa.

Dr Katunzi noted that the event presents an excellent opportunity for Tanzanian manufacturers to display their goods and services, especially those aiming to expand into international markets.

ALSO READ: Mwinyi’s legacy grows as new schools drive Zanzibar’s development

“It is an opportunity for our producers to gain access to foreign markets, boost trade and contribute to our country’s sustainable economic growth,” she said.

She underscored that Tanzania’s role as host reflects its growing influence in the development of standards and quality assurance systems across the continent.

In addition to plenary sessions and high-level discussions, the event will also feature a trade exhibition, providing further opportunities for exposure and networking.

Dr Katunzi called on local producers, service providers and stakeholders in the tourism sector to actively participate in and sponsor the event, as a means of promoting their products to an international audience.

The assembly will be held under the theme: “Accelerating Equity in Trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through Harmonised Standards and Stronger Quality Infrastructure.”