81314049-Supporting SME in selected African countries to achieve export-relevant product quality certifications

Brief description of the project: Supporting SME in selected African countries to achieve export-relevant product quality certifications. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ), the Alliance for Product Quality in Africa is implemented jointly by GIZ and the National Metrology Institute of Germany (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, PTB). The GIZ modules separate into a global project financed by the Special Initiative Decent Work for a Just Transition (Invest for Jobs) that focusses on inter-continental trade and an AfCFTA module focussing on regional trade within Africa. This assignment focuses on the Invest for Jobs module (hereinafter referred as "the Alliance"). The Alliance is a multi-stakeholder partnership supported by German development cooperation, specialized institutions of quality infrastructure, and the private sector. Measures are implemented in partner countries of the Special Initiative: Egypt, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco, Rwanda, Tunisia, and Senegal. The focus is on African and European companies, their investments, and the associated creation of jobs. Exporting African companies" must meet expectations of buyers in the world"s and specifically EU markets, and thus, products must meet a range of quality requirements and expectations. These include binding, legal product regulations (technical regulations), voluntary technical standards of official standardization bodies, and quality and sustainability standards of private organizations. The verification of compliance with these requirements follows prescribed procedures, which leads to certification. Companies in Africa are often unable to produce products of the required quality and/or provide proof of conformity with existing regulations and standards. This restricts trade with buyers in Europe and prevents the development of a supply industry. The low quality of products hampers higher local value creation and participation in global value chains in African partner countries. Certification, however, leads to international acceptance, is a proof of internationally recognized management systems, and thus builds trust amongst international buyers. The Alliance for Product Quality in Africa seeks to improve the quality of products from African partner countries through certification, so that they comply with the demands of international buyers. That way, exports can be increased, and value chains expanded, leading to economic growth and job creation. The project contributes to employment creation and improvement in the partner countries by strengthening the competitiveness of African manufacturing companies through improved product quality and the removal of other barriers to trade and investment. This includes capacity building of company personnel as much as the capacity to install and maintain standards of production or products. It makes direct contributions to the key indicators of the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition", particularly in the areas of better jobs, employability, cooperation with companies and investors, sustainability, and better framework conditions.