African Organisation for Standardisation 13th Essay Competition 2025

Welcome to the Annual ARSO Essay Competition, a prestigious platform dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking among the youth across Africa. Each year, we invite students to explore pressing topics, share their perspectives, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable development and standards in Africa. Join us in celebrating the power of words and ideas in shaping a brighter future for our continent.

Essay 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“

• Table of Content
• About African Organisation for Standardisation
• ARSO 13th Essay Competition
• Aim and Benefits of ARSO 13th Essay Competition
• Requirements for ARSO 13th Essay Competition Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for ARSO 13th Essay Competition
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About African Organisation for Standardisation

ARSO 13th Essay Competition

Aim and Benefits of ARSO 13th Essay Competition

Continental Level:

• 1st winner: $1,000
• 2nd winner: $800
• 3rd winner: $500

Requirements for ARSO 13th Essay Competition Qualification

• Open to Citizens of all African Countries
• Applicants Only below the age of 35 years living in Africa and studying in a university, polytechnic, college recognised by the local commission for university education or equivalent body in their countries

Interview date, Process and Venue for ARSO 13th Essay Competition

Basic Essay Requirements 

• Length of essays : Essays should be between 1000 and 1200 words
• Presentation: Essays should be double spaced and presented inCentury Gothic, size 12
• Language of essays: Essays must be submitted in English or French
• Information on the author: Authors may use up to 50 words to describe themselves. Information should include their names, course and year of study, name, town and country in which their university is located. N/B: this will not be part of the 1000- 1200 words
• Contacts of authors: Authors should provide us with their postal, physical, telephone and email addresses on the first page of the essay together with the title of the essay and information on the author.
• Kindly attach a copy of the Identity Card or Passport and a completely filled Registration Form (ARSO/CACO/EC/Form 1/2025

What are the Organisers looking for

Introduction 

Looking for an introduction that goes beyond simply stating the topic; including clear, concise, and compelling opening statement and demonstrate a deep understanding of the theme's significance

Problems Towards the Theme: A Detailed and Evidence-Based Analysis

Comprehensive grasp of the challenges. We are looking for a grounded analysis, supported by data and specific examples, not just general statements; can you identify the root causes of the problem and understand its multifaceted nature

Solutions and Policy Framework: A Strategic and Action-Oriented Proposal

We would like to read a clear path forward; outlining concrete, actionable solutions and demonstrate an understanding ofthe existing institutionalframework.

Conclusion: A Forward-Looking and Impact-Driven Summary

Provide a precise, powerful and inspiring final personal statement, reinforcing the importance of the theme and its potential for transformational change.

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Application Deadline

How to Apply

Inviting students in institutions of Higher Learning in Africa (Colleges/ Universities) to submit their essays on 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” to their National Standards Bodies email addresses posted on NSB Websites and Social Media Pages.

For more details, visit ARSO webpage