Ivorian Minister champions accreditation as key to regional trade success.
Abidjan, March 28, 2024 – In a move to elevate quality standards and enhance the competitiveness of West African businesses, Souleymane Diarrassouba, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Trade and Industry, officially inaugurated the new headquarters of the West African Accreditation System (SOAC) in Abidjan.
"Today, we hand over the keys to SOAC's headquarters and celebrate the signing of three crucial mutual recognition agreements. This is a major milestone for this vital regional accreditation body," Minister Diarrassouba declared. "We firmly believe this new headquarters will turbocharge SOAC's mission to improve product and process quality across West Africa, making our businesses stronger players on the global stage."
SOAC: Championing West African Product Quality
Recognizing the power of accreditation to boost regional trade, protect the environment, and safeguard consumer health and safety, the Ivorian government has tirelessly supported SOAC's development since it was awarded headquarters in 2016.
SOAC is making impressive strides towards international recognition. Its recent signing of Mutual Recognition Agreements with the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC), the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) demonstrates a commitment to aligning with global standards.
Tangible Results: SOAC's Impact on Product Quality
Just six years after its launch, SOAC's track record speaks for itself:
- 60 accreditation decisions issued (30+ in Côte d'Ivoire alone)
- Over 700 experts trained through capacity-building seminars
The inauguration ceremony drew dignitaries from across the region, including the chairman of SOAC's Board of Directors and commissioners from ECOWAS and UEMOA.
SOAC: Powering a Prosperous West Africa
With its new headquarters and strategic partnerships, SOAC is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming West Africa's economic landscape. By upholding rigorous quality standards, SOAC-accredited businesses will gain a competitive edge, attracting customers not just regionally, but internationally. For West Africa, this translates to increased exports, greater investment, and a reputation for producing world-class goods and services.
