The ARSO Central Secretariat is looking for a Consultant to build a database of test laboratories, auditors, and certification bodies with the capability to conduct audits, testing, and certification activities
Deadline – 20th January 2025 before 1730 HRS EAT
- Background
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) plays a pivotal role in promoting the harmonization of standards across Africa to boost both intra-African and global trade and ensuring high standards in the agriculture and food sectors is crucial for economic development, consumer safety, and international market access. ARSO is therefore committed to strengthening conformity assessment services in these sectors by enhancing the infrastructure for testing, auditing, and certification.
To implement this framework, the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) signed on 11th February 2022 a framework on Harmonization and Certification of African Standards for Dairy, Horticulture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Products
The overall objective of the Project is to build the capacity of standardization institutions, Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises in ADF countries, on harmonized standards and certification on the dairy, horticultural, fisheries, and aquaculture products to support increased market access under the AfCFTA.
The specific objectives are to:
- Harmonize Standards and Conformity Assessment for Dairy Products; and
- Build Capacity, which will entail Training and Certification of African Enterprises, Micro and Small Enterprises in Implementing Standards for Horticultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture Products
These entities are essential in ensuring compliance with international standards, such as the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and addressing technical barriers to trade (TBT) in the agriculture and food sectors.
Africa’s industrial and trade development heavily relies on the availability of robust quality infrastructure. Testing laboratories, auditors, and certification bodies play a critical role in ensuring product compliance with standards, fostering trade, and protecting consumer safety. Currently, information on these entities across Africa is fragmented and difficult to access, limiting the ability of stakeholders to identify and utilize their services effectively. To address this challenge, an online database is proposed to consolidate and provide up-to-date, accessible information on test laboratories, auditors, and certification bodies in Africa.
Download the Terms of Reference – Download Here