The Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA), has achieved a major milestone by gaining Correspondent Membership of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
This achievement marks a significant step forward for LiSA, and the country in enhancing its quality infrastructure.
The membership dues were sponsored through the CASTRAP project, implemented by CERATH, and funded by the European Union (EU).
Following the official notification of LISA’s ISO membership, the Director General of LISA, Stephen Y. Mambu, departed the country over the weekend to attend the ISO General Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 6–10, 2025.
The ISO Annual Meeting 2025, opened on Monday, October 6, in Kigali. It brought together global leaders, experts and policymakers to discuss how international standards can drive sustainable growth.
This is only the second time the meeting has been hosted in Africa, following South Africa gathering in 2019.
The five-day event, has drawn participants from more than 176 countries, including representatives from governments, the United Nations, and regional organizations.
LiSA’s Correspondent Membership with ISO aligns with its long-term vision and places Liberia among a distinguished group of nations committed to global standardization.
The membership grants Liberia access to ISO standards, enhances stakeholder engagement, and opens doors to valuable capacity-building opportunities.
In a related development, the LiSA has also secured official membership status in the African Electrotechnical Standardization Commission (AFSEC).
Like the ISO membership, this success was made possible through the CASTRAP project implemented by CERATH, and funded by the EU.
Joseph Saye Zankah, Jr., Focal Person of AFSEC/IEC, outlined key benefits for LISA and Liberia: Access to International Standards: Direct adoption of IEC/AFSEC electrotechnical standards to ensure the safety and quality of electrical and solar energy products; Technical Capacity Building: Training and mentorship opportunities for LiSA’s technical committees in areas including renewable energy, smart metering, calibration, and conformity assessment; Regional Trade and Market Access: Harmonized standards will reduce cross-border trade barriers, supporting Liberia’s integration into AfCFTA and ECOWAS energy markets; Influence and Representation: Liberia can now actively participate in continental electrotechnical decision-making and nominate experts to AFSEC technical working groups; Support for National Programs: Improved technical guidance and credibility for initiatives such as the Product Verification of Conformity (VOC) program, net-metering standards, and solar product market surveillance; Partnerships and Funding Opportunities: Enhanced visibility and eligibility for technical assistance and funding from development partners including the IEC, AFSEC, AfDB and other agencies.
Mr. Zankah said the next steps for LiSA include aligning its electrotechnical committees with AFSEC’s technical working groups, integrating AFSEC/IEC standards into national regulatory frameworks, and raising awareness among stakeholders on the benefits of this expanded international engagement.
LiSA’s memberships in ISO and AFSEC underscore its growing leadership in promoting quality infrastructure, expanding energy access, and enhancing trade competitiveness for Liberia.