ECCAS lays foundation for regional quality infrastructure framework in Central Africa

Yaoundé, 13 May 2026 -The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) is taking significant steps toward establishing a harmonized and internationally recognized regional quality infrastructure system aimed at improving trade competitiveness and market access across Central Africa. Through the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme – ECCAS Component (ATCMA–ECCAS), funded by the European Union (EU) under its Global Gateway strategy and Corridor approach, ECCAS Member States are working to strengthen quality and standards through regional cooperation.

As part of this effort, National Quality Focal Points from ECCAS Member States met in Yaoundé on 12 and 13 May 2026 for a regional technical workshop organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to advance key regional quality infrastructure reforms and coordination mechanisms. During the discussions, participants finalized several strategic documents, including the regional governance framework for quality infrastructure within ECCAS and operational procedures for supporting National Standards Bodies and laboratories under the ATCMA Programme. Significant progress was also achieved in the development of a Regional Quality Policy (in line with UNIDO´s recently launch “Quality Policy Trilogy”) and a Subregional Standards Harmonization Mechanism, both expected to contribute to greater alignment with international standards and facilitate intra-regional and international trade.

“These efforts are expected to enhance compliance with international standards and strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises across the region in both regional and international markets,” said Ebe Muschialli, Industrial Development Officer at UNIDO.

Participants also visited the metrology laboratory of Cameroon’s Ministry of Trade, gaining practical insight into existing technical capacities and the challenges facing quality infrastructure development in the region.

“This regional workshop provided an excellent opportunity for us to better understand one another, share experiences, and identify existing gaps in quality infrastructure across our respective countries. The interactive exchanges among participants helped define common priorities for strengthening quality infrastructure,” stated Apauline Matata Feza, Director of Standardization at the Congolese Control Office (OCC) and National Quality Focal Point for the ATCMA Programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The meeting followed the programme’s first Steering Committee session held in March 2026 and represents an important milestone in ECCAS’s efforts to strengthen regional economic integration, facilitate trade flows, and promote sustainable trade relations with international partners, with a strong focus on three strategic value chains: timber, cocoa and cassava.

“Through this initiative, the ATCMA–ECCAS Programme reaffirms its key role in strengthening regional economic integration and promoting sustainable trade between Central Africa and its partners, particularly the European Union,” said Alexandre Serres, Programme Officer at the EU Delegation in Yaoundé.

For further information, please contact Ebe Muschialli - e.muschialli [at] unido.org