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

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 2008 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let Us Overcome Detractors and Grow Africa

Asante! Merci beaucoup! Thank you! شكرا Muito obrigado! arso@arso-oran.org www.arso-oran.org 54th Council meeting, ARUSHA, TANZANIA 13/09/2019