(Nairobi) – South Sudan is continuing to strengthen its role in Africa’s continental standardisation efforts by actively participating in the 31st General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), held on 26 June 2025.
The event brought together member states to review policies, elect new leaders, and set the direction for the organisation’s work over the coming years.
During the second day of the General Assembly, South Sudan joined other countries in reviewing ARSO’s progress and future plans. The Secretary General of ARSO presented a comprehensive report covering the Strategic Plan from 2022 to 2027. The report included key achievements and challenges between July 2024 and June 2025, along with recommendations for improving the next phase of implementation.
The Assembly also reviewed the audited financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2024. This financial review was seen as vital for ensuring transparency and strengthening governance within ARSO, which plays a key role in promoting uniform standards to support trade and economic development across Africa.
A major highlight of the meeting was the formal transition of leadership within the organisation. Outgoing ARSO President, Professor Alex Dodoo, handed over leadership to Mr Botsile Kebapetse, who had been elected during the previous General Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2024. Mr Kebapetse’s assumption of office marks the beginning of a new leadership period as ARSO continues to focus on strengthening continental cooperation in areas such as product safety, industrial growth, and quality assurance.
Alongside the leadership change, elections were held to fill positions within the ARSO Council, the body responsible for overall governance. Eleven new members were chosen to sit on the Council. Additionally, six new representatives were appointed to the Standards Management Committee (SMC), which oversees technical aspects of standard development across member countries.
The General Assembly also marked the formal admission of The Gambia as a new member state of ARSO. This expands the organisation’s presence and influence across the continent, increasing cooperation among African countries on matters of trade and industrial competitiveness.
South Sudan was represented by its National Bureau of Standards, which continues to play a growing role in Africa’s standardisation movement. The Bureau reported actively on the Assembly’s proceedings and reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to aligning national standards with continental goals.
For South Sudan, participation in bodies like ARSO is seen as essential for building the country’s economic infrastructure. South Sudan can improve its trade readiness, ensure better quality control across sectors, and increase the competitiveness of its products in regional and international markets by harmonising standards with other African nations
The General Assembly also served as a platform to discuss broader priorities, including enhancing industrial development, trade facilitation, and the establishment of quality systems. These are important issues for developing countries like South Sudan, where strengthening such frameworks is vital for sustainable economic growth.
