NIGERIA – In a notable development for African standardisation, the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has elected Mr. Botsile Kebapetse as its President for the 2025-2028 term.

The announcement came during ARSO’s 30th General Assembly, held under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century – Building a Quality Culture ‘One Market-One Standard’.”

Mr. Kebapetse, currently serving as the Managing Director of the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) and ARSO Vice President since 2022, was confirmed as President-elect for the 2024-2025 period.

His candidacy was approved by the ARSO Council during its 70th session on June 18, 2024. The election adhered to ARSO’s constitutional provisions, which mandate the election of a president-elect one year before the end of the current President’s term.

Professor Alex Dodoo is the serving President of the Organisation unanimously elected in 2021.

ARSO’s mission and expansion

Established in 1977 by the Organisation of African Unity (now African Union) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, ARSO aims to harmonize African standards and conformity assessment procedures to reduce technical barriers to trade.

With its headquarters in Kenya and membership from 43 African countries, ARSO’s work promotes both intra-African and international trade. Recognized by the WTO-TBT Committee as an observer member since 2015, ARSO’s mandate aligns with international best practices, as highlighted in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Annex 6, Article 6 of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

Botsile Kebapetse’s visionary leadership

Mr. Kebapetse’s unopposed candidacy and unanimous election reflect his demonstrated leadership and deep understanding of Africa’s standardization needs.

Supported by the Government of Botswana, Mr. Kebapetse brings 26 years of experience in standardization, conformity assessment, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. His tenure as ARSO Vice President has been marked by significant contributions to corporate governance through the formation of ARSO Council Committees and the ARSO Charter.

Mr. Kebapetse holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Botswana, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of South Africa, and a Master of Science in Strategic Management from Derby University.

Since assuming the role of Managing Director of BOBS in November 2021, he has been credited with the completion of the Botswana Quality Policy (NQP) and its submission to the Ministry of Trade and Industry. His efforts led to the policy’s adoption by the National Assembly in April 2022 and the establishment of a new Quality Office within the ministry.

As ARSO President, Mr. Kebapetse will guide the organization through critical initiatives outlined in the ARSO Strategic Plan 2022-2027. These include strengthening quality infrastructure in Africa, promoting harmonization of standards, and fostering mutual recognition arrangements under the AfCFTA and WTO TBT agreements.

His leadership will also focus on aligning African sustainability policies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and enhancing national quality policies based on the Africa Quality Policy adopted by the African Union.

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