The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has launched an essay writing competition for university students across the country as part of preparations for Africa Standards Day celebrations, aimed at promoting awareness and youth participation in matters of quality and standards.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on November 13, 2025, TBS Director General, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, said the competition seeks to encourage students to understand the importance of standards in promoting sustainable industrial and trade development in Tanzania.
“The winners of this competition will not only be recognised nationally but will also have the opportunity to represent Tanzania in the continental-level competition scheduled for March 2026,” said Dr. Katunzi.
She added that TBS’s participation in Africa Standards Day provides an opportunity for the institution to learn and exchange experiences with experts and stakeholders from various countries, which helps expand the market reach and international acceptance of Tanzanian products.
Dr. Katunzi thanked the government for continuously creating an enabling business environment and improving coordination and management systems to help the country achieve sustainable development goals through the growth of an industrial economy.
“Standards are a key pillar in promoting the industrial sector. We use them to ensure that products manufactured in Tanzania meet the required levels of quality and safety, whether locally produced or imported,” she said.
She also commended education institutions, researchers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and development partners for their contribution to developing and improving standards that strengthen Tanzania’s industrial and trade sectors.
Dr. Katunzi concluded by urging citizens and stakeholders to actively participate in the process of developing product standards to ensure they meet societal needs and enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian products in international markets.
This year’s Africa Standards Day will be commemorated under the theme: “The Role of Harmonised Standards in Reducing Technical Barriers to Trade for Fair and Equitable Business within Africa and Beyond.”
