1. IMPROVING TRADE IN AFRICA - THE ROLE OF ARSO
9/13/2019
African Organisation For Standardisation
Market access: The role of sustainability and ecolabelling
Overcoming the Fear of Making Mistakes for the AfCFTA to Work
Reuben Gisore, Technical Director, ARSO
Standardization in Africa
13/09/2019
D. U. AGBANELO

2. AEM: The Journey This Far
The African Eco-labelling Mechanism was formally established by the 12th Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in June with a clear statement of vision:
“The launching of the African Ecolabelling Mechanism (AEM) under the general Guidance of the African Union Commission and with a Secretariat based at the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) will contribute towards improving the environmental and social profile of African products and expand market access for African Products”.
From 2010, AEM Secretariat has been hosted by ARSO.
EoMark Africa (AMA) was officially launched on 8th March 2019 with 6 companies being awarded the first series of EMA certificate (close to 11 years later)
13/09/2019
Standardization in Africa

3. Current EMA Sectors Sustainability standards for FOUR Sectors:
Agriculture
Fisheries
ARS/AES 2:2014, Fisheries - Sustainability and eco-labelling – Requirements
ARS/AES 5:2018, Aquaculture – African Catfish – Sustainability and eco-labelling – Requirements
ARS/AES 6:2018, Aquaculture – Tilapia – Sustainability and eco-labelling – Requirements
ARS/AES 1:2014, Agriculture - Sustainability and eco-labelling - Requirements
Forestry
Tourism
ARS/AES 3:2014, Forestry - Sustainability and eco-labelling - Requirements
ARS/AES 4:2014, Tourism — Sustainability and eco-labelling — Requirements

4. ARS/AES 1:2014, Sustainable agriculture: Requirements for Different Tiers
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Pre- Required 14
Critical 19 20 29 32
Required 90
103
137
140
General 45 62 39 38
Optional 48 28 13 8
N/A 16 5
Total
232

5. The EMA Promise: Good governance
Consumers are interested in:
Corporate ethics
Accountability
Participation
Rule of law
Holistic management
13/09/2019
Standardization in Africa

6. The EMA Promise: Environmental Sustainability
Atmosphere
Water
Land
Biodiversity
Materials and Energy
Animal Welfare
13/09/2019
Standardization in Africa

7. The EMA Promise: Economic Resilience
Investment
Vulnerability
Value Addition
Product Quality and Information
Local Economy
Fair Trade Practices
13/09/2019
Standardization in Africa

8. The EMA Promise: Social Wellbeing
Decent Livelihoods
Fair Trading Practices
Labour Rights
Equity
Human Health and Safety
Cultural Diversity
13/09/2019
Standardization in Africa

9. Standardization in Africa
Market Access Impacts
The EMA certification creates confidence in consumers on the quality and safety of food products
There is an assurance of the sustainability and continued supply of goods and services
Increased demand for certified products by sustainability conscious consumers
Preference by green government procurement policies
Better acceptance by local communities due to the inclusivity approach
An assurance of compliance with product performance and safety standards
13/09/2019
Standardization in Africa

10. Standardization in Africa
Formal fish trade
13/09/2019
Standardization in Africa

11. Standardization in Africa
Informal fish trade
13/09/2019
Standardization in Africa

12. Let Us Overcome Detractors and Grow Africa

13. Asante! Merci beaucoup! Thank you! شكرا Muito obrigado!
54th Council meeting, ARUSHA, TANZANIA
13/09/2019