Honoring student visionaries driving continental integration through standardisation and innovation
Official Announcement of the 13th Continental Essay Competition Winners
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) is proud to announce the official winners of the 13th ARSO Continental Essay Competition.
Organized in collaboration with National Standards Bodies (NSBs) across African Union Member States, the annual competition empowers university and tertiary institution students to explore the vital role of standardisation, quality infrastructure, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in shaping the continent’s economic future.
This year’s participants demonstrated exceptional critical thinking, policy insight, and innovative solutions toward the 13th edition theme: “The role of harmonised standards in reducing Technical Barriers to Trade and in promoting fair and just trade within the AfCFTA.”
13th Continental Essay Competition Winners
| Award Position | Winner Name | Country |
| 🥇 1st Place (Joint Winner) | Lamesgin Mekonnen | Ethiopia |
| 🥇 1st Place (Joint Winner) | Comfort Chawe | Botswana |
| 🥈 2nd Place | Baraka Joy | Kenya |
| 🥉 3rd Place (Joint Winner) | Obedience Kaoma | Zambia |
| 🥉 3rd Place (Joint Winner) | Chipo Thandeka Munyaka | Zimbabwe |
Special Recognition – Top national entries have received certificates of commendation
Key Competition Highlights
- Theme 2025|2026 – The role of harmonised standards in reducing Technical Barriers to Trade and in promoting fair and just trade within the AfCFTA.
- Widespread Participation – Entries were coordinated through respective 18 National Standards Bodies (NSBs) namely Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe across institutions of higher learning continent-wide.
- Rigorous Evaluation – Essays were judged on originality, depth of research, clarity of policy recommendations, and alignment with ARSO’s mission and AfCFTA objectives.
Leadership & Commendation
“Youth engagement is essential to the future of quality infrastructure in Africa. The brilliant insights presented by these young scholars prove that the future of African standardisation is bright, innovative, and deeply committed to continental integration.”
— Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary General
Prizes & Recognition
- Cash prizes awarded to the continental winners.
- Winners are celebrated during the Africa Standards Day celebrations held in conjunction with the General Assembly events.
- Winning essays will be published across official ARSO digital channels and publications.
Connect & Stay Updated
For more information on upcoming youth initiatives and the launch of the 14th ARSO Continental Essay Competition Theme;
“Advancing intra – African Trade through Conformity Assessment and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) – Unlocking the full potential of the Cotton-to-Clothing Value Chain under the AfCFTA“