Application Deadline: Ongoing
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Africa Organization for Standardization (ARSO) 14th Continental Essay Competition. As part of its mandate to build a culture of standardisation and quality among Africa’s youth, ARSO established the Continental Essay Competition to
engage tertiary students across AU Member States on issues central to Africa’s standardisation, quality infrastructure, and trade agenda.
Theme – “Advancing Intra-African Trade through Conformity Assessment and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) — Unlocking the Full Potential
of the Cotton-to-Clothing Value Chain under the AfCFTA”
The 14th Continental Essay Competition theme invites tertiary students to critically examine how strengthened conformity assessment
systems and MRAs can unlock the full potential of the cotton-to-clothing value chain in direct support of the AfCFTA’s objectives
Eligible Students
▪ Enrolled in an accredited tertiary institution in an African Union Member State at the time of submission.
▪ Aged 35 years or below as at the essay submission deadline
▪ Open to students of all disciplines
▪ May submit only one essay for consideration; group or co-authored submissions are not eligible.
▪ Comply with Copyright Rules and AI Ethical Use Practice listed herein
Essay Guidelines
▪Length: 1,000 – 1,200 words, excluding references, cover page, and appendices.
▪ Language: English or French
▪ Essays must be original, unpublished works. Plagiarised or substantially AI-generated submissions will be disqualified upon detection; sources must be properly referenced using a consistent citation style (e.g., APA).
▪ Submitted as a word (.docx) document, size 12 font, 1.5 line spacing, with a separate cover page bearing the student’s name, institution, country, and contact details. The essay body itself should not bear the author’s name or institution, to support blind judging.
▪ Essays must be submitted through the National Coordinator in the student’s country of study; direct submissions to the ARSO Secretariat will be referred the relevant National Coordinator.
▪ Kindly attach a copy of the Identity Card or Passport and a completely filled Registration Form (ARSO/CACO/EC/Form 1/2026)
Prizes
- First Place – $1000: Cash award, certificate of excellence, and public recognition at the ARSO Awards Ceremony.
- Second Place – $800: Cash award and certificate of excellence.
- Third Place – $500: Cash award and certificate of excellence.
For More Information:
