2026 EAC Regional Quality Awards- Applications Open
The 2026 EAC Regional Quality Awards, the region’s highest recognition for excellence in quality performance, were formally announced during the 28th Meeting of the East African Standards Committee (EASC) held on 13 May 2026 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The EAC Regional Quality Awards competition is an annual event implemented in accordance with the Awards Framework, which was approved by the East African Standards Committee (EASC) during its April 2022 meeting in Arusha, Tanzania. The Awards are dedicated to promoting a culture of quality and inspiring excellence by recognising outstanding achievements by EAC enterprises in quality management across all sectors of the economy within the EAC region.
The Awards are open to both Large Enterprises (LEs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in both service and manufacturing sectors.
Application Form and Criteria – EAC Regional Quality Awards
Brochure – 2026 EAC Regional Quality Awards
Guidance Document – EAC Regional Quality Awards – 2026
2025 Regional Quality Awards Winners Catalogue
Purpose & Objectives
The EAC Regional Quality Awards aim to foster a strong culture of quality across the East African Community by encouraging enterprises to adopt standards and quality management practices. This improves competitiveness, facilitates trade, and supports regional integration.
Objectives:
- Promote quality management practices and a culture of excellence among EAC enterprises
- Recognise organisations demonstrating strong performance in international standards
- Encourage SMEs and large enterprises to pursue continuous improvement and innovation
- Raise awareness of the value and benefits of quality-related activities
- Strengthen regional collaboration on quality, competitiveness, and market access
- Align with national quality award initiatives across Partner States
Benefits of Participation
- Regional and national recognition
- Increased trust and credibility with customers
- Positive media exposure
- Enhanced staff pride and organisational morale
- Access to new business and markets
National-level winners automatically qualify for the EAC Regional Quality Awards.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a legally registered enterprise in an EAC Partner State
- Implement a management system or hold a valid product certification mark
- Comply with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements
- Operate as a defined and autonomous business unit (where applicable) with independent management and financial accounts
Award Categories (2026)
- EAC Company of the Year (LE)
- EAC Company of the Year (SME)
- EAC Product of the Year (LE)
- EAC Product of the Year (SME)
- EAC Exporter of the Year – Agro-Processing (LE)
- EAC Exporter of the Year – Agro-Processing (SME)
- EAC Service of the Year – Public Sector
- EAC Service of the Year – Private Sector (LE)
- EAC Service of the Year – Private Sector (SME)
Application Process
- Step 1: Submit applications to the National Standards Body (NSB) in your country for national-level competition.
- Step 2: National winners are nominated by NSBs to compete in the EAC Regional Quality Awards.
More information is available from respective NSBs in Partner States.
Important Dates
- April 2026 – Launch of national-level competitions
- 30 June 2026 – Deadline for national entries
- 30 August 2026 – Selection of national winners
- 30 August 2026 – Submission of national winners for regional competition
- 30 September 2026 – Selection of regional winners
- October 2026 – Regional Awards Ceremony, Kigali, Rwanda
Awards Criteria
Based on the seven Quality Management Principles (ISO 9001):
- Customer focus
- Leadership
- Engagement of people
- Process approach
- Improvement
- Evidence-based decision making
- Relationship management
Terms and Conditions
- Closing date follows the official timeline
- All submissions remain property of the EAC Secretariat
- Confidential or price-sensitive information should not be included
- RQAC decision is final and not subject to disclosure of evaluation details
Awards Ceremony
Winners will be honoured at a regional ceremony in October 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, alongside a regional MSME platform promoting quality excellence and competitiveness.
Call for Applications: Applications and guidelines are available from NSB websites or national focal points:
- Burundi: Mr. Eric Ruracenyeka – ruraeric@yahoo.fr
- Kenya: Mr. George Mungai – mungaig@kebs.org
- Rwanda: Mr. Francois Nsengiyumva – francois.nsengiyumva@rsb.gov.rw
- Uganda: Ms. Sylvia Kirabo – sylvia.kirabo@unbs.go.ug
- Tanzania: Mr. Amani Martin Mollel – amani.mollel@tbs.go.tz
- South Sudan: Ms. Estella Joan Angelo – stellajada5@gmail.com
- Somalia: Mr. Ahmed Hassan Mohamed – blk196855@gmail.com
