Are you skilled at writing or have gotten ideas that can change Africa? It’s time to make your voice heard and make an impact. The 13th Annual Continental Essay Competition 2025/2026 is your golden opportunity to put your knowledge to the test, share innovative ideas, and stand a chance to win a cash prize along with other amazing benefits.
About the Competition
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) in collaboration with the Standards Organisation
of Nigeria (SON) invites students across Nigeria to take part in the 13th Continental Essay Competition. The 13th Annual Continental Essay Competition aims to deepen students’ understanding of how harmonised standards can foster seamless trade across Africa and the world.
It seeks to encourage young thinkers to explore the importance of standardisation in eliminating technical barriers, ensuring fair competition, and promoting inclusive economic growth within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and beyond.
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.”
Hint on how to attempt the essay question
Those who are participating in this essay competition of the ARSO 13th continental essay are expected to critically examine and discuss how harmonised standards contribute to building stronger trade systems within Africa and beyond.
Eligibility for the competition
To be able to participate in the ARSO essay competition, participants must meet the following requirements:
1. It is open to all students under the age of 35. So if you are above this age limit, you cannot participate in the essay writing
2. Applicant must be enrolled in a government-approved higher institution in Nigeria: Colleges, Universities, Monotechnics, Polytechnics.
3. Nigerians are eligible to apply and other African countries
Prizes for the Competition
The awards for this essay competition are grouped in classes; there is the continental level and the national level. For those who apply and win on the continental level, their prizes include
Continental Level:
The first position wins – $1,000.
The second position wins – $800
The third position wins $500
For those who qualified in at the national level, their prizes include
Explore more opportunities like this
first place – #250,000
Second place – #200,000
The third place – #150,000
Deadline for the essay application
The submission deadline is February 28th, 2026. Entries submitted after this date will not be
considered, so ensure you send yours in on time.
How to Apply
1. Read the essay topic and understand it very well.
2. Don’t make use of AI.
3. Ensure you proofread all essays before submission.
3. Interested participants can submit their essays to any of the following:
umarzainab59@yahoo.com | 08039551555,
08099099455
paul.pankes@son.gov.ng | 08038396788
pcpankes@yahoo.com
