Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on African countries to strengthen economic integration by removing barriers that continue to hinder trade across the continent.
Kindiki spoke in Mombasa during the official opening of the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organization for Standardisation (ARSO), which he presided over on behalf of President William Ruto.
He said Africa’s economic independence and wealth creation should now be at the centre of the continent’s development agenda, describing them as the next major step in Africa’s journey towards full liberation.
“Africa’s economic sovereignty and wealth creation are the remaining frontier of our continent’s final liberation and freedom,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President noted that Africa has a population of about 1.4 billion people and a combined gross domestic product of approximately $3.4 trillion, providing a huge potential market for locally produced goods.
However, he said trade within the continent continues to face challenges arising from different product standards and repeated quality inspections.
Kindiki warned that such barriers were slowing down efforts to establish a stronger and more integrated African market.
He urged National Standards Institutions across Africa to speed up the development of common quality standards that can be recognised across borders.
“National Standards Institutions must hasten the development of harmonized, mutually recognized quality standards,” he said.
According to Kindiki, harmonising standards would make it easier for products manufactured in one African country to access markets across the continent without undergoing unnecessary and repeated certification processes.
He said eliminating such obstacles would help African businesses expand, increase intra-African trade and create more opportunities for wealth generation.
The Deputy President further linked the strengthening of continental trade to Africa’s aspirations for a prosperous and self-reliant future.
The ARSO General Assembly brings together stakeholders involved in standardisation and quality assurance as African countries seek to deepen economic integration and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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