The new African Standard : A game changer bringing new opportunities for EU’s Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR)
The European Union participated as a speaker/panellist at the Panel on “Market Access and Compliance with International Standards”, which focused on implications of evolving regulatory frameworks (including the EUDR) for African coffee producers and exporters; joined by distinguished speakers from Africa in the coffee and sustainability sector. Notably, the forum saw a unified positive reception of the EUDR from many African stakeholders, indicating increased support, as well as the EU’s commitment to jointly address remaining challenges to develop more sustainable and deforestation-free value chains.
On the occasion of the 3rd African Coffee Week, ARSO’s Secretary-General officially launched, together with H.E. Amb. Solomon S. RUTEGA, Secretary-General of IACO, the “African Standard: Sustainable Coffee – Sustainability and Eco-labeling Requirements”. According to ARSO, the African Standard takes on board all EUDR requirements in terms of traceability and due diligence. The African Standard also aligns with Environmental, Social Governance (ESG) frameworks, as well as certification labels, such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance. This is indeed a huge step forward and represents a real game changer, as it shows that EU – AU policy dialogues bear fruits and that our policies and strategies for sustainable value chains development become increasingly aligned.
These positive development resonate well with the opening remarks of Dr. Sidi Ould TAH, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), at the AU-EU Business Forum on 24/11/2025 in Luanda, who said in reference to EU regulations: “This is the moment to embrace a new model. Made in Africa, with Europe”.
More info on the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR):
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