Welcome to the Annual ARSO Essay Competition, a prestigious platform dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking among the youth across Africa. Each year, we invite students to explore pressing topics, share their perspectives, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable development and standards in Africa. Join us in celebrating the power of words and ideas in shaping a brighter future for our continent.
13th Continental Essay Competition for the year 2025/2026
Theme – “The role of harmonised standards in reducing Technical Barriers to Trade and in promoting fair and just trade within the Intra-African and Global Trade“
University and College Students under the age of 35 years eligible to participate
Download the Concept Note – Download Here English | Download Here French
Download the Registration Form – Download Here English | Download Here French
12th Continental Essay Competition for the year 2024/2025
Theme – “Role of Education about Standardisation (EaS) in shaping Education and African Students for the Sustainable Development opportunities and challenges in the 21st Century”
University and College Students under the age of 35 years eligible to participate
Download the Concept Note – Download here
Download the Registration Form – Download here
Continental Level Positioning
| 1st Position at Continental Level: | Vuyelwa K. Simelane – Eswatini
Winning Essay by Vuyelwa – Preview Online Here |
| 2nd Position at Continental Level: | Beza Yonas – Ethiopia
Precious Chitembeya – Malawi |
| 3rd Position at Continental Level: | Yakalu Sumbu Francis – DRC |
Past Events
11th Continental Essay Competition for the year 2023/2024.
Theme:
“Empowering Consumers through Standardisation to achieve their rights to safe Quality Goods & Services“
University and College Students under the age of 35 years eligible to participate
10th Continental Essay Competition for the year 2022/2023
Theme:
“The role of standardisation in promoting the growth of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) for sustainable, inclusive and diversified industrial and economic development in Africa”
University and College Students under the age of 35 years eligible to participate
ARSO Essay Competition Winners
Essay Competition Winners 2022/2023
| Position | Last Name | First Name | Country |
| One | BABALOLA | SEGUN SAMSON | NIGERIA |
| Two | OMWOYO | FRANK | KENYA |
| Three | ZONA | NDAMASE | SOUTH AFRICA |
Essay Competition Winners 2021/2022
| Position | LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | COUNTRY |
| One | NFOUHPOUOGUEN | FADIL | CAMEROON |
| Two | JAMES | INNOCENT | TANZANIA |
| Three | NASAMBU | MARATAN HYCENT | KENYA |
Essay Competition Winners 2020/2021
| No | NAME | COUNTRY |
| 1. | Kela Sibabalwe | South Africa |
| 2. | Bingepinge Shannele | Zimbabwe |
| 3. | Majogo Lincoln | Zimbabwe |
Essay Competition Winners 2019/2020
| Position | Name | Country |
| One | Kyomuhangi Peres | Uganda |
| Two | Fredrick Chama | Zambia |
| Two | Steven Marvin Nsubuga | Uganda |
Download Resources
- 10th-Continental-Essay-Competition-Concept-Note
pdf
(3159kb)
[ download ] - 11th-Continental-Essay-Competition-Concept-Note
pdf
(4940kb)
[ download ]
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