Group photo
From today 16-18th October 2019, Rwanda hosts continental ARSO/THC 08-4 Technical Working Group meeting on Automotive Technology and Engineering Standards organized by African Organization for Standardization (ARSO). This Technical Committee meeting aims to support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boost intra-Africa trade and promote African industrialization through harmonization of automotive standards on the continent.

Participants

Mr Raymond Murenzi, Director General of Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), speaking at the opening of the meeting, welcomed the participants and emphasized the relevance of harmonizing standards so as to enable the automotive industry to boost #Africa development, attract foreign investments and protect the environment.

Dr Hermogène Nsengimana, ARSO Secretary General informed that ARSO has identified automotive sector as a catalyst area that will spur the development of Africa development; and standardizing automotive industry (vehicle and spare parts) aims to support a wide range of other economic development sectors. He explained that there are still major concerns that hinder development of the automotive industry in Africa: divergent regulatory frameworks which restrict manufacturing and encourage the importation of used vehicles, safety of motor vehicles, availability of quality fuels for modern engine technology, availability of certified components and spare parts, environmental pollution, manufacturing capabilities, etc.

He added that ARSO/THC 08-4 Technical Working Group meeting on Automotive Technology and Engineering serves as platform for harmonization of standards for automotives and related products in Africa.