About the ARSO Continental Essay Competition
The Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) invites all tertiary students in Botswana to participate in the 13th ARSO Continental Essay Competition. This competition promotes critical thinking, research skills, and awareness of standardisation in Africa. It targets students pursuing academic excellence while contributing to regional and global trade development.
Competition Theme 2026:
“The Role of Harmonised Standards in Reducing Technical Barriers to Trade and in Promoting Fair and Just Trade within the Intra-African and Global Trade”
The theme encourages students to explore how harmonised standards can improve trade fairness, reduce technical obstacles, and support economic integration across Africa and globally.
Location: Botswana
Organiser: Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS)
Deadline: Friday, 13 March 2026
Eligibility: Tertiary students in Botswana, aged 35 and below
Submission Method: Email / Postal
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all university or college students in Botswana, aged 35 and below
Only one essay per participant
Essays must be original and unpublished
Essays previously submitted to other competitions or focusing on a particular brand, person, or organization are not eligible
AI-generated content scoring above 20% in AI plagiarism checks will be disqualified
Essay Requirements
Word count: 1000–1200 words
Format: Double-spaced, Century Gothic, size 12
Language: English or French
Author information: Up to 50 words including name, course, year, university name, town, and country (not part of word count)
Contact details: Postal, physical, telephone, and email address on the first page, along with essay title and author info
Attach ID card or passport and a completed registration form
What Organisers Are Looking For
Introduction: Clear, compelling opening demonstrating understanding of the theme’s significance
Problem Analysis: Evidence-based discussion of challenges, identifying root causes with specific examples
Solutions and Policy Frameworks: Action-oriented recommendations, showing understanding of institutional and trade frameworks
Conclusion: Forward-looking summary emphasizing the importance of harmonised standards for trade and economic growth
Prizes for Winners
Regional Level:
1st: USD 500
2nd: USD 300
3rd: USD 200
Continental Level:
1st: USD 1000 + trip and accommodation to ARSO General Assembly 2026
2nd: USD 800
3rd: USD 500
Country Level (Botswana):
Top 5 country winners sponsored to enroll in Understanding BOS ISO 9001:2015 course
Submission Instructions
Email essays to BOBS contact officers or send via postal service:
Mailing Address:
The Manager, Scientific Standards
Department of Standards
Botswana Bureau of Standards
Private Bag BO 48, Gaborone
Physical Address:
Plot 55745, Block 8 Airport Road
1st Floor, Public Relations Office
Gaborone, Botswana
Contact Officers:
Mr K Setiko – Tel: 3645434 / Email: setiko@bobstandards.bw
Ms P Kgabung – Tel: 3645426 / Email: kgabung@bobstandards.bw
Ms K Lebani – Tel: 3645458 / Email: lebanik@bobstandards.bw
Deadline for Botswana submissions: Friday, 13 March 2026
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