Rwanda officially opened the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Annual Meeting and General Assembly 2025 at the Kigali Convention Centre on Monday, 6 October, becoming the second African nation to host the prestigious global event, following South Africa in 2019.
The week-long gathering brings together over 1,000 delegates, including policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and representatives from ISO’s 170 member countries. Held under the theme United for Impact, the assembly aims to strengthen international cooperation in standards that drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusive trade.
Rwanda’s Standardisation Journey
Speaking at the press conference, Raymond Murenzi, Director General of Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), reflected on Rwanda’s journey with ISO since becoming a full member in 2013.
“RSB has developed more than 3,000 standards, of which 2,250 are ISO standards. More than half of our standards are international, connecting local products to global markets. Moving from a subscriber member to a full ISO member has been a significant milestone, and hosting this assembly is a great honour for Rwanda,” Murenzi said.
“We hope this week allows us to showcase our work in standardisation and engage with colleagues from around the world. Our goal is to forge partnerships, build capacity for our staff, SMEs, and industries, and promote knowledge transfer that strengthens Rwanda’s quality infrastructure. We are eager to connect with other standard bodies and explore collaborations that drive sustainable industrial growth.”
During the opening ceremony, Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda, described the event as a milestone for the country’s growing role in international standardisation.
“This gathering is a time to reflect on our shared achievements and chart a bold course for the future, where standards play a central role in advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth. Rwanda is committed to leveraging standards as a key driver for industrialisation, innovation, and global cooperation,” Sebahizi said.
He highlighted the Zamukana Ubuziranenge (Grow with Standards) programme, launched in 2017 to help SMEs adopt quality standards. Since its inception, the initiative has supported over 1,000 SMEs, with 41.6 percent owned by women and 27.7 percent by youth.
ISO Leaders Commend Rwanda’s Progress
Sergio Mujica, ISO Secretary General, praised Rwanda’s commitment to quality infrastructure and inclusivity, calling the country a model for developing nations.
“In a world increasingly divided, ISO offers an inclusive platform to work together, collaborate, and create partnerships for impact. International standards are not just technical tools—they make people’s lives easier, safer, and better,” he said.
Sung Hwan Cho, ISO President, lauded Rwanda’s progress in building a standards-driven economy and hosting the first ISO Annual Meeting in East Africa.
“Rwanda embodies hope, resilience, and innovation. The theme, “United for Impact,” reflects our belief that meaningful change occurs when we work together across borders. Standards are a unifying force, fostering trust and inclusion in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
The event was officially opened by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, who noted that standardisation is central to Rwanda’s development strategy.
“Through standardisation, conformity assessment, and metrology, we have built a more competitive business environment. These tools enhance product quality, support innovation, and strengthen our capacity to compete globally,” he said, encouraging delegates to explore Rwanda’s rich culture and innovation-driven economy.
The ISO Annual Meeting 2025 will feature over 40 interactive sessions covering topics such as artificial intelligence, biodiversity protection, sustainable trade, and responsible innovation. Youth innovators and entrepreneurs will also take the stage to demonstrate how digital transformation and quality standards are driving Africa’s industrial future.”
