Deadline: 17-Apr-2026
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) invites students in institutions of higher learning across Africa to participate in the 2026 ARSO Continental Essay Competition under the theme “The role of harmonised standards in reducing Technical Barriers to Trade and in promoting fair and just trade within the Intra-African and Global Trade.”
The organisers are looking for essays that begin with a clear, concise, and compelling introduction that goes beyond simply stating the topic and demonstrates a deep understanding of the theme’s importance.
The essay should then provide a detailed and evidence-based analysis of the challenges, supported by data and examples, identifying root causes and reflecting a comprehensive grasp of the issue’s complexity.
It should outline strategic and actionable solutions within existing institutional frameworks, presenting a clear path forward. Finally, the essay should conclude with a precise, inspiring, and forward-looking summary that reinforces the significance of the theme and its potential for transformative impact.
The first continental winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000, an economy-class return air ticket, accommodation, and recognition during the General Assembly. The second continental winner will receive $800, while the third will receive $500, with all three winning essays published on the ARSO website.
The competition aims to engage African university and college students below the age of 35 in intellectual discourse on harmonised standards, which are vital for reducing technical barriers to trade and fostering equitable trade both within Africa and globally.
Participating students must submit essays through their respective National Standards Bodies (NSBs), which will coordinate all national-level activities including sending out invitations to colleges and universities, receiving essays from participants, assessing them, and recognising national winners.
Each essay should be between 1000 and 1200 words, double-spaced, written in Century Gothic font size 12, and submitted in either English or French. Participants must also include author details, a copy of their identity card or passport, and a duly filled registration form (ARSO/CACO/EC/Form 1/2025).
For a country to qualify for the regional and continental levels, a minimum of 25 participants should be registered and evaluated by the participating NSB. The selection of winners at the regional level will be conducted according to the UNECA clustering of African states, which includes Central Africa, Eastern Africa, North Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa.
Continental winners will be officially announced during the Africa Standards Day Celebration held in conjunction with the 32nd ARSO General Assembly in Kampala, Uganda, in June or July 2026.
By participating, entrants agree to assign copyright of their essays to the organisers, allowing them to publish the essays in part or in full across various official and public platforms. Each essay must be original, unpublished, and not submitted for any other competition.
Participants are limited to one entry each. Essays identified as AI-generated with a score exceeding 20% on the official AI plagiarism checker will be automatically disqualified. A disclaimer notice must be signed and submitted with the registration form.
This competition represents a unique opportunity for young African scholars to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on harmonised standards and their crucial role in enabling fair and just trade across the continent and globally.
The submission deadline for the top five national winners’ essays by the NSBs is Friday, 17th April 2026.
For more information, visit ARSO.
