African standards are a key tool for intra-African and global trade, as such, they have the potential to support sustainable and fair trade, as well as to accelerate innovation of environmental goods and services, of emerging low-carbon processes and circular businesses. Similar to other regions, standards in Africa can also play a role in the implementation of policies and legislation.

To ensure environmental concerns are adequately addressed, environmental stakeholders must be present at each level of policy formulation, as well as in the development of relevant standards key for the African Union Agenda 2063. The contribution of African environmental NGOs and experts to the integration of environmental objectives in standardisation work will strengthen the environmental content of standards for all users, resulting in a better standard, and therefore more desirable products or services.