KENYA – Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in standards development, conformity assessment, and technical information exchange.
The agreement was signed in Dar es Salaam during the recent state visit to Tanzania by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto.
KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari and Zanzibar Bureau of Standards Director General Yusuph M. Nassor formalized the partnership at State House in the presence of President Ruto and President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
According to KEBS, the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration focused on standardization, conformity assessment, technical cooperation, and information sharing between the two standards bodies.
The partnership comes as East African countries continue increasing efforts to improve regulatory coordination and reduce technical barriers affecting regional trade.
Standards and trade becoming more closely linked
For manufacturers and exporters operating across multiple African markets, differences in product standards, testing procedures, certification systems, and inspection requirements can delay market entry and increase operational costs.
Standards agencies are increasingly taking on a broader role in supporting trade facilitation, product safety, and industrial competitiveness as regional markets become more interconnected.
Speaking after the signing, Esther Ngari said, “This MOU establishes a structured framework for cooperation in key areas including standardization, conformity assessment and technical information exchange. It reflects our shared commitment to strengthening quality infrastructure, facilitating trade, and safeguarding consumer welfare across our region.”
She added that KEBS remains focused on building partnerships that support regulatory coherence and create opportunities for industry and innovation within the East African Community and beyond.
The East African Community has continued pushing for harmonized standards and greater regulatory alignment to support cross-border trade flows, particularly in sectors such as food manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and industrial products.
Conformity assessment systems, including product testing, inspection, and certification, have also become increasingly important as African exporters target regional and international markets with stricter compliance requirements.
KEBS expanding regional partnerships across Africa
The Zanzibar agreement adds to a growing list of regional partnerships KEBS has entered into over the past year as standards agencies across Africa increase technical cooperation.
Last month, KEBS signed another Memorandum of Understanding with the South African Bureau of Standards during the South Africa–Kenya Joint Trade Committee meeting held in Pretoria.
That agreement focused on harmonized standards development, conformity assessment cooperation, capacity building, technical knowledge exchange, and trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
According to SABS, the collaboration is expected to support market access and regulatory alignment between the two countries while strengthening quality infrastructure systems across the continent.
KEBS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards in 2025.
The Kenya-Uganda agreement established cooperation in standards development, conformity assessment, metrology, training, and scientific collaboration between the two agencies.
As African countries continue implementing regional trade agreements, standards organizations are becoming increasingly involved in technical cooperation linked to manufacturing, supply chains, product quality, and export readiness.