Welcome to the Annual ARSO Essay Competition, a prestigious platform dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking among the youth across Africa. Each year, we invite students to explore pressing topics, share their perspectives, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable development and standards in Africa. Join us in celebrating the power of words and ideas in shaping a brighter future for our continent.

14th Continental Essay Competition for the year 2026/2027 Theme – “Advancing Intra-African Trade through Conformity Assessment and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) — Unlocking the Full Potential of the Cotton-to-Clothing Value Chain under the AfCFTA “

ARSO Annual Essay Competition Benefits

PRIZES AND RECOGNITION

1st Prize: $1000 Cash award, certificate of excellence, and public recognition at the ARSO Awards Ceremony.

2nd Prize: $800 Cash award and certificate of excellence.

3rd Prize: $500 Cash award and certificate of excellence.

Requirements for ARSO Annual Essay Competition

Eligible Students

Enrolled in an accredited tertiary institution in an African Union Member State at the time of submission.

Aged 35 years or below as at the essay submission deadline

Open to students of all disciplines. May submit only one essay for consideration; group or co-authored submissions are not eligible.

Comply with Copyright Rules and AI Ethical Use Practice

Selection Process

Essay Guidelines 

Length: 1,000 – 1,200 words, excluding references, cover page, and appendices.

Language: English or French 

Essays must be original, unpublished works.

Plagiarised or substantially AI-generated submissions will be disqualified upon detection; sources must be properly referenced using a consistent citation style (e.g., APA). 

Submitted as a word (.docx) document, size 12 font, 1.5 line spacing, with a separate cover page bearing the student's name, institution, country, and contact details. The essay body itself should not bear the author's name or institution, to support blind judging.

Essays must be submitted through the National Coordinator in the student's country of study; direct submissions to the ARSO Secretariat will be referred to the relevant National Coordinator. 

Kindly attach a copy of the Identity Card or Passport and a completely filled Registration Form (ARSO/CACO/EC/Form 1/2026)

Application Deadline

April 23, 2027

How to Apply

To read more on The Essay Competiton Guidelines

Download the Registration Form – Download Here English