Rwanda, on Monday, October 6, officially opened the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Annual Meeting and General Assembly 2025 at the Kigali Convention Centre, becoming only the second African nation to host the global gathering after South Africa in 2019.

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The week-long gathering brings together over 1,000 delegates, including policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and representatives from ISO’s 170 member countries. The meeting, held under the theme "United for Impact", seeks to advance international cooperation in standards that promote innovation, sustainability, and inclusive global trade.

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Speaking at a press conference, the Director General of Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), Raymond Murenzi, reflected on the country’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. This means 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 today, hosting this assembly is a great honour for Rwanda,” he 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, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, welcomed participants on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, describing the event as a significant milestone for Rwanda’s growing role in the international standardisation community.

"This gathering represents a time to reflect on our shared achievements and to chart a bold course for the future, one where standards continue to play a central role in advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth for all. Rwanda has made a strong commitment to leverage standards as a key driver for industrialisation, innovation, and global cooperation,” he said.

Sebahizi highlighted Rwanda’s homegrown initiatives such as Zamukana Ubuziranenge (Grow with Standards), a programme launched in 2017 to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt quality standards.

Since then, the initiative has supported over 1,000 SMEs, with 41.6 per cent owned by women and 27.7 per cent by youth.

ISO Secretary General Sergio Mujica acknowledged Rwanda&039;s commitment to quality infrastructure and inclusivity in standardisation, calling it a model for developing nations.

"In a world increasingly divided, ISO offers an inclusive platform to work together, to collaborate, and to create partnerships for impact. This week, we reaffirm that international standards are not just technical tools, they are instruments that make people’s lives easier, safer, and better,” he said.

Sung Hwan Cho, ISO President, commended Rwanda’s progress in building standards and lauded the country’s hosting of the first ISO Annual Meeting ever held in East Africa.

"Rwanda embodies hope, resilience, and innovation. This year’s theme, "United for Impact", reflects our conviction of meaningful change that happens 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 Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Justin Nsengiyumva, who noted that standardisation remains at the heart of 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.

Nsengiyumva encouraged delegates to explore Rwanda’s rich culture and innovation-driven economy, saying the country’s transformation story reflects the power of unity and shared purpose.

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 share how digital transformation and quality standards are driving Africa’s industrial future.