Improving African product quality – expanding trade

Context

In order for goods to be imported into the European Union or traded within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), they must meet statutory quality and consumer protection standards. In addition, many international and regional importers require adherence to voluntary environmental and social standards.

African products often fail to meet these standards or lack the necessary certification. Although there is strong international demand for African fruit, tea and textiles, for example, many producers only sell their products on national markets. Despite low production costs, they are thus not utilising the opportunities to participate in Africa-wide and global trade, create new jobs and achieve higher profits.

Objective

Product quality has increased in selected economic sectors and locations in Africa.

Approach

The project is part of the Alliance for Product Quality in Africa. It implements activities with German, European and African companies, business associations and other development cooperation stakeholders. Among other services, the project offers training for African companies, in cooperation with business associations, in order to implement quality standards or introduce quality control systems in businesses. It also provides support and advice on certification for African producers which manufacture goods with export potential. One priority in this context is promoting regional trade, including in cooperation with public and private export promotion programmes.

Last update: June 2025