ARSO 14th Continental Essay Competition for African Students
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has opened entries for the 14th Continental Essay Competition, giving students across Africa the opportunity to explore practical solutions to challenges affecting intra-African trade and the continent’s development.
Competition Details
- Competition: 14th ARSO Continental Essay Competition
- Competition Year: 2026/2027
- Organiser: African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO)
- Eligible Region: Participating African continental member states
- Eligible Students: Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Age Limit: Under 35 years
- Languages: English or French
- Essay Length: 1,000–1,200 words, excluding references and author details
- Opening Date: 3 September 2026
- Deadline for participating countries to submit entries to ARSO: 23 April 2027
- Continental Winners Announced: July 2027
Essay 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”
Participants are expected to explore how conformity assessment and Mutual Recognition Agreements can help strengthen intra-African trade and unlock the potential of the cotton-to-clothing value chain under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen or resident of a participating African continental member state.
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or postgraduate student at a recognised tertiary institution.
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of submission.
- Submit an essay addressing the official competition theme.
- Submit an original and unpublished essay.
- Submit only one entry.
The competition is open to students across disciplines.
Essay Requirements
The essay must:
- Be between 1,000 and 1,200 words, excluding references and author details.
- Be written in English or French.
- Use Century Gothic, size 12 font.
- Be double-spaced.
- Be submitted as a PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx) document.
- Be original and unpublished.
- Not contain plagiarism or AI-generated content, as such submissions will be disqualified.
Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- The completed ARSO Registration Form.
- A copy of their student ID card or passport.
- The completed essay.
The essay, registration form and identification document should be submitted through the relevant Country-Specific Email or the applicant’s local National Standards/Coordinating Body.
Prizes
1st Place
- US$1,000
- Certificate of Excellence
- Travel sponsorship to the 33rd ARSO General Assembly
2nd Place
- US$800
- Certificate of Excellence
3rd Place
- US$500
- Certificate of Excellence
National Winners
National winners will receive award certificates and national-level prizes managed by the participating National Bodies.
Submission Process
- Download and complete the ARSO Registration Form.
- Prepare your essay according to the required format.
- Attach your student ID card or passport.
- Submit the essay, registration form and ID through the relevant country-specific submission channel or National Standards/Coordinating Body.
- Ensure your entry is submitted through the appropriate national process before the national deadline.
- Participating countries submit their selected entries to ARSO by 23 April 2027.
Application Checklist
Before submitting, ensure you have:
- Confirmed that you are under 35.
- Confirmed that you are enrolled at a recognised tertiary institution.
- Confirmed that you are a citizen or resident of an eligible participating African country.
- Written an original essay on the official theme.
- Kept the essay between 1,000 and 1,200 words.
- Used Century Gothic, size 12.
- Used double line spacing.
- Written the essay in English or French.
- Completed the ARSO Registration Form.
- Prepared a copy of your student ID or passport.
- Confirmed the submission process for your country.
- Submitted only one essay.
Important Dates
- 3 September 2026: Call for Entries opens
- 23 April 2027: Deadline for participating countries to submit entries to ARSO
- July 2027: Continental winners announced
- National winners: Announcement dates are determined by the respective Country Socials and websites.
How to Apply
Applicants should download and complete the ARSO Registration Form, prepare their essay and attach a copy of their student ID card or passport.
The completed materials should be submitted through the Country-Specific Email or the relevant National Standards/Coordinating Body in the applicant’s country.
Official Competition Page:
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The 14th ARSO Continental Essay Competition 2026/2027 is open to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students across participating African countries. The top three continental winners will receive US$1,000, US$800 and US$500, respectively, alongside certificates and other recognition.
