Trade Standards & Facilitation
Promoting awareness and adoption of sound trade practices, documentation standards and responsible cross-border commercial conduct.
African Trade and Investment Standards Commission
Advancing Trade Standards.
Advancing Trade Standards.
Strengthening Investment Confidence.
The African Trade and Investment Standards Commission promotes sound trade standards, transparency, KYC/AML compliance, responsible business practices, and stronger trade and investment relationships across Africa.
Member states of the African Trade and Investment Standards Commission
Who We Are
Learn More About ATISC
An institution built around standards, transparency and cooperation
The African Trade and Investment Standards Commission (ATISC) is an institutional body focused on trade and investment standards, KYC and AML compliance awareness, responsible commercial practices, and cooperation among businesses, investors, professional bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
Our work centres on awareness, practical guidance and information sharing — supporting a commercial environment in which standards are understood, transparency is valued and responsible practice is encouraged.
Standards-oriented awareness and information sharing
KYC & AML compliance guidance for all sectors
Continental cooperation among stakeholders
Our Areas of Focus
Where ATISC concentrates its work
Four connected areas of focus guide the Commission’s activities and stakeholder engagement.
Investment Confidence
Supporting transparent and responsible investment environments through information, guidance and constructive stakeholder dialogue.
Compliance & Due Diligence
Guidance on KYC, AML, due diligence, documentation and compliance awareness across businesses, NGOs and financial institutions.
Partnerships & Cooperation
Encouraging collaboration among businesses, institutions, investors, professional bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
Compliance Framework
KYC & Anti-Money Laundering
ATISC places KYC and AML at the centre of responsible trade and investment practice — supporting transparency, integrity and resilience across the African commercial environment.
Know Your Customer
Identity verification, customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence and ongoing monitoring.
Anti-Money Laundering
Risk assessment, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting and record keeping.
All Sectors
Practical guidance for businesses, NGOs, financial institutions and professional services.
Training & Awareness
Capacity building, workshops and professional development on compliance practice.
Certification Programme
ATISC Trade & Investment Standards Certification
A single, transparent certification fee for organisations seeking to demonstrate alignment with ATISC standards.
All Organisations
$350USD
Flat certification fee — applicable to every organisation
- Standards alignment review
- KYC & AML documentation guidance
- Certification decision and issuance
- Official register listing
- Annual standards update briefing
How the certification process works
The ATISC certification programme provides organisations with a structured, transparent pathway to demonstrate alignment with continental trade and investment standards. The fee is fixed for all organisations, regardless of size or sector, to ensure equal access.
01
Register your interest
Contact the ATISC secretariat by email to express interest and receive the certification pack.
02
Submit your documentation
Provide the requested organisational, KYC and standards-alignment information for review.
03
Standards review
The secretariat reviews your submission against the ATISC standards framework and provides feedback.
04
Certification decision
On successful review, your organisation receives ATISC certification and is listed on the register.
The $350 USD certification fee applies to all organisations. Payment, delivery and certification decisions are managed by the ATISC secretariat. Please contact registrar@atisc.org for the current certification pack and payment instructions.
Verify a Certified Member
Search the ATISC certification register by certificate number
Certificate numbers follow the format ATISC-YYYY-NNN. If you cannot find your organisation, please contact the secretariat at registrar@atisc.org.
Continental Focus
Partnership Across Africa
ATISC’s mandate is continental in scope. The Commission engages with businesses, investors, professional bodies and institutions across Africa’s five regions, with the aim of supporting shared standards, transparency and responsible trade and investment practice.
North Africa 7 countries
Algeria · Egypt · Libya · Mauritania · Morocco · Sudan · Tunisia
West Africa 15 countries
Benin · Burkina Faso · Cabo Verde · Côte d’Ivoire · The Gambia · Ghana · Guinea · Guinea-Bissau · Liberia · Mali · Niger · Nigeria · Senegal · Sierra Leone · Togo
Central Africa 8 countries
Cameroon · Central African Republic · Chad · Congo · Democratic Republic of the Congo · Equatorial Guinea · Gabon · São Tomé and Príncipe
East Africa 18 countries
Burundi · Comoros · Djibouti · Eritrea · Ethiopia · Kenya · Madagascar · Malawi · Mauritius · Mozambique · Rwanda · Seychelles · Somalia · South Sudan · Tanzania · Uganda · Zambia · Zimbabwe
Southern Africa 6 countries
Angola · Botswana · Eswatini · Lesotho · Namibia · South Africa
Partnership with ATISC
Institutions, businesses and professional bodies interested in cooperation with the Commission are invited to open a dialogue with our secretariat.
Register Interest
Formation & Global Cooperation
Formed by African States
ATISC was established through the collective initiative of African states to advance trade and investment standards across the continent. The Commission works alongside counterpart regional standards bodies around the world to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.
Africa
ATISC
African Trade and Investment Standards Commission — the continental body for trade and investment standards, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Our Institution Europe
CEN & CENELEC
European Committee for Standardization and European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization — regional standards bodies for the European Union.
Regional Counterpart Americas
COPANT
Pan American Standards Commission — the regional standards body for the Americas, coordinating national standards institutes across the hemisphere.
Regional Counterpart Asia-Pacific
PASC
Pacific Area Standards Congress — the regional forum for standards bodies across the Asia-Pacific region.
Regional Counterpart Middle East
GSO
Gulf Standardization Organization — the regional standards body for the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Regional Counterpart Global
ISO
International Organization for Standardization — the global body coordinating international standards across all sectors and regions.
Global BodyFormal partnership and cooperation arrangements with counterpart regional bodies are published once they have been formally confirmed by ATISC and the partner institution.
Why ATISC
Principles that shape our institution
Transparency and accountability
Clear communication and responsible institutional conduct in all engagements.
Professionalism and integrity
Work carried out to professional standards, with honesty and impartiality.
Responsible trade and investment
Encouraging practices that support trust and long-term commercial relationships.
Regional cooperation
Collaboration across institutions, markets and professional communities.
Sustainable economic development
Contributing to economic progress that endures beyond short-term gain.
Compliance-first approach
Embedding KYC and AML awareness at the heart of responsible commercial practice.
Latest News
News, publications and announcements
Institutional news, standards bulletins and official announcements from ATISC.
Announcement
12 October 2025
ATISC publishes 2025 Trade Standards Alignment Framework
The Commission has issued its updated Trade Standards Alignment Framework for the 2025–2026 cycle, setting out the principles and practices organisations can adopt to strengthen cross-border trade readiness.
Request the framework
Publication
28 September 2025
New KYC & AML guidance published for non-profit organisations
ATISC has released detailed guidance on KYC and AML responsibilities for NGOs and non-profits, covering donor verification, fund flow monitoring and suspicious activity reporting.
Download guidance
Event
15 September 2025
Regional stakeholder dialogue held at the Nairobi secretariat
ATISC hosted its first regional stakeholder dialogue at its Nairobi secretariat, bringing together business representatives, investors and professional bodies from across East Africa.
Request event summary
Official Notices
Announcements
Formal notices and operational announcements from the ATISC secretariat.
Certification 20 Oct 2025
Q4 2025 certification window now open
Applications for the $350 USD certification programme are accepted until 15 December 2025. Please email the secretariat to receive the current certification pack.
Register now Launch 10 Oct 2025
Stakeholder registration portal launching next month
A new portal for businesses, investors and institutions to register interest in ATISC programmes will be launched in November 2025.
Register your interest Secretariat 01 Oct 2025
Secretariat relocated to 456 UN Avenue, Nairobi
The ATISC secretariat is now operating from its confirmed headquarters at 456 UN Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. Email remains the preferred contact channel.
Contact the secretariat Consultation 22 Sep 2025
Consultation on updated KYC & AML due diligence guidance
Stakeholders are invited to submit observations on the proposed revision to the ATISC KYC and AML guidance. The consultation closes on 30 November 2025.
Submit observations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about ATISC
Common questions about our work, KYC/AML framework, certification and continental engagement.
ATISC is the African Trade and Investment Standards Commission — an institutional body formed by African states to advance trade and investment standards, KYC/AML compliance awareness, responsible commercial practices and continental cooperation across Africa.
The certification fee is a flat $350 USD for all organisations, regardless of size or sector. This covers the standards alignment review, KYC and AML documentation guidance, certification decision and official register listing.
Use the member search feature on our home page. Certificate numbers follow the format ATISC-YYYY-NNN. If you cannot find your organisation, please contact the secretariat at registrar@atisc.org.
Our guidance covers customer identification, due diligence, enhanced due diligence, ongoing monitoring, risk assessment, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, record keeping and staff training — tailored to businesses, NGOs, financial institutions and professional services. Full details are available on the What We Do page.
The secretariat is based at 456 UN Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. You can reach us by email at registrar@atisc.org, by toll-free phone on +800 1111 6666, Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with a 24-hour support team for urgent matters.
Visit our Membership page to review the tiers, certification steps and pricing. You can register your interest by emailing registrar@atisc.org. The Register button in the header is always available to take you to the membership and registration page.
Stakeholder Engagement
Work with ATISC
We invite businesses, investors, institutions, professional bodies and other relevant stakeholders to engage with the Commission on standards, KYC/AML compliance, responsible practice and cooperative initiatives.
About ATISC
About the African Trade and Investment Standards Commission
An institutional profile of the Commission — its identity, purpose, vision, mission, values and approach to trade, investment and KYC/AML standards in Africa.
Who We Are
Formed by African states for continental standards
The African Trade and Investment Standards Commission (ATISC) was formed through the collective initiative of African states to contribute to a commercial environment in Africa in which trade and investment standards are understood, KYC and AML compliance is prioritised, transparency is valued, and responsible business practice is encouraged.
The Commission’s focus is on awareness, information sharing, professional guidance and cooperation among relevant stakeholders. Its work is intended to support businesses, investors, professional bodies and institutions engaged in cross-border and domestic trade and investment activity across the continent.
ATISC’s activities are oriented around standards-related dialogue, KYC/AML awareness, responsible commercial conduct and constructive stakeholder engagement. The Commission does not present its work as statutory regulation, accreditation, licensing or enforcement unless such functions have been formally confirmed and published.
Direction
Our Vision and Mission
Our Vision
To contribute to an African trade and investment environment characterised by trusted standards, KYC/AML compliance, transparency, responsible practices, and sustainable economic cooperation.
Our Mission
To advance awareness, KYC/AML compliance, cooperation and responsible practices in trade and investment through standards-oriented initiatives, stakeholder engagement, information sharing, and professional guidance.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide our conduct
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Collaboration
- Excellence
Our Approach
How we work
ATISC’s approach is built on stakeholder engagement, practical guidance, KYC/AML awareness, responsible business practices and cooperation with relevant institutions. We prioritise constructive dialogue and information sharing, and we seek to contribute to a commercial environment in which standards are understood and applied responsibly.
Our activities are designed to be practical and accessible, and to support businesses, investors and institutions in navigating standards-related and compliance considerations with clarity. We work through partnerships, professional networks and structured engagement rather than unilateral prescription.
Institutional Details
About the Commission
Key institutional facts about ATISC’s establishment, governance, leadership and continental mandate.
Established
2018
Formed through the collective initiative of African states, ATISC was established in 2018 to advance trade and investment standards across the continent.
Headquarters
456 UN Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya
The ATISC secretariat operates from its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, serving stakeholders across all African regions.
Leadership
Commissioner, Deputy & Secretary-General
Led by a Commissioner, supported by a Deputy Commissioner and a Secretary-General responsible for the secretariat.
Governance
Board · Technical Committee · Secretariat
A Board of Commissioners provides strategic oversight, supported by a Technical Standards Committee and a Secretariat.
Mandate
Continental standards and cooperation
A continental mandate focused on standards awareness, KYC/AML compliance, certification, cooperation and responsible commercial practice.
Regional Scope
All five African regions
Active across North, West, Central, East and Southern Africa, with stakeholder engagement coordinated from Nairobi.
Institutional details are presented for the current publication cycle and are reviewed periodically by the Commission. For formal documentation, please contact registrar@atisc.org.
Our Work and Areas of Service
Our Work and Areas of Service
ATISC’s work is organised around a set of connected service areas, each intended to support standards awareness, KYC/AML compliance, responsible practice, information sharing and stakeholder cooperation across Africa.
01
Trade Standards & Best Practices
We provide information and guidance relating to trade standards, commercial best practices, documentation awareness, and responsible cross-border business activities. This area supports stakeholders in understanding commonly recognised practices and in approaching trade documentation with clarity and care.
Make an Inquiry
02
Investment Standards & Business Confidence
We support understanding of responsible investment practices, transparent business relationships, and standards-oriented investment environments. Our work in this area is oriented towards awareness and information sharing, rather than the provision of investment advice or the approval of investment products.
Make an Inquiry
03
KYC, AML & Compliance Awareness
We provide detailed educational information and guidance on KYC, AML, due diligence, documentation and compliance awareness for businesses, NGOs, financial institutions and professional services. This area is intended to support informed decision-making and responsible commercial conduct.
See Full Framework
04
Trade and Investment Research
We support information sharing and research concerning trade developments, investment opportunities, standards, KYC/AML trends and relevant market practices. Our research-oriented activities are intended to contribute to a better shared understanding of developments across African trade and investment landscapes.
Make an Inquiry
05
Institutional Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
We facilitate engagement and cooperation with businesses, investors, professional bodies, and other relevant stakeholders. This area supports constructive dialogue and the development of shared understanding around standards, responsible practice, KYC/AML compliance and cooperation across markets and regions.
Make an Inquiry
06
Capacity Building & Professional Awareness
We provide educational initiatives, workshops, informational resources, and professional development activities where offered. These activities are intended to strengthen awareness and understanding of trade and investment standards, KYC/AML compliance and responsible commercial practice among professionals and institutions.
Make an Inquiry
Compliance Framework
Know Your Customer & Anti-Money Laundering
ATISC places KYC and AML at the centre of responsible trade and investment practice. Our framework provides practical guidance to businesses, NGOs, financial institutions and professional services on identifying customers, verifying beneficial ownership, monitoring transactions and reporting suspicious activity — supporting a transparent and resilient African commercial environment.
KYC — Know Your Customer
Identity verification and due diligence
- Customer IdentificationVerifying identity of clients, counterparties and beneficial owners using reliable, independent documentation.
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD)Understanding the nature of the business relationship, source of funds and expected transaction profile.
- Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)Additional scrutiny for politically exposed persons, high-risk jurisdictions and complex ownership structures.
- Ongoing MonitoringContinuous review of transactions and relationships to ensure consistency with the customer profile.
AML — Anti-Money Laundering
Detection, reporting and prevention
- Risk AssessmentIdentifying money laundering and terrorist financing risks across customers, products, geographies and delivery channels.
- Transaction MonitoringScreening and monitoring transactions for unusual patterns, structuring, and high-risk activity.
- Suspicious Activity ReportingReporting suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities in line with applicable requirements.
- Record Keeping & TrainingMaintaining accurate records and equipping staff with ongoing AML awareness and training.
How AML applies across sectors
Anti-money laundering obligations are not limited to banks. Every organisation that handles funds, value or sensitive information has a role in protecting the integrity of the financial system.
Businesses & Corporates
Commercial organisations face AML exposure through customers, suppliers, agents and cross-border payments. A risk-based programme helps protect reputation and ensure regulatory alignment.
- Verify counterparties and beneficial owners before onboarding
- Screen suppliers and agents against sanctions lists
- Monitor high-value and cross-border transactions
- Maintain accurate records for statutory periods
- Report suspicious activity to the relevant authority
NGOs & Non-Profits
Non-profit organisations can be vulnerable to misuse for terrorist financing or money laundering. Strong governance and due diligence protect both the mission and the communities served.
- Verify donors, partners and beneficiaries
- Assess terrorist financing and diversion risks
- Monitor fund flows and field operations
- Apply enhanced scrutiny to high-risk jurisdictions
- Report suspicious activity to the relevant authority
Financial Institutions
Banks, payment providers and fintechs are at the front line of AML. A mature compliance programme is essential for correspondent relationships and regulatory standing.
- Comprehensive KYC onboarding and periodic refresh
- Real-time transaction monitoring systems
- Suspicious activity report (SAR) filing
- Sanctions and PEP screening
- Ongoing staff training and independent testing
Professional Services
Lawyers, accountants, auditors and consultants often handle client funds and complex structures. Professional bodies increasingly expect formal AML policies.
- Client due diligence and beneficial ownership checks
- Source of funds and source of wealth verification
- Risk-based approach to complex structures
- Suspicious activity reporting obligations
- Record keeping and confidentiality alignment
ATISC provides KYC and AML awareness, education and guidance. The Commission does not provide legal advice, statutory investigation or enforcement. Organisations should consult their legal and compliance advisers for obligations specific to their jurisdiction and sector.
Membership & Certification
Join the Continental Standards Community
ATISC membership connects your organisation to a continental network of businesses, investors, institutions and professional bodies committed to standards, transparency, KYC/AML compliance and responsible practice across Africa.
Membership Tiers
Simple, transparent pricing
Two straightforward pathways — full certification at a fixed fee, or a strategic partnership tailored to your institution.
Most Selected
Certified Organisation
Full ATISC certification — the flat fee applied to every organisation.
$350USD
Flat fee — all organisations
- Standards alignment review
- KYC & AML documentation guidance
- Certification decision and issuance
- Official ATISC register listing
- Certificate number for verification
- Annual standards update briefing
Cooperate
Strategic Partner
For institutions and professional bodies seeking formal cooperation.
Custom
By agreement with the secretariat
- Institutional cooperation arrangements
- Joint standards initiatives
- Custom KYC/AML training programmes
- Regional stakeholder engagement support
- Representation in continental dialogues
All fees are quoted in USD. The Certified Organisation fee is a fixed $350 USD for every organisation, regardless of size or sector. Payment instructions and the certification pack are provided by the ATISC secretariat upon registration.
How to Get Certified
Four clear steps to certification
The ATISC certification process is straightforward, transparent and open to all organisations that share our commitment to standards, transparency and responsible practice.
01
Register your interest
Email the secretariat at registrar@atisc.org to express interest and receive the certification pack.
02
Submit your documentation
Provide the requested organisational, KYC and standards-alignment information for review.
03
Standards review
The secretariat reviews your submission against the ATISC standards framework and provides feedback.
04
Certification decision
On successful review, your organisation receives ATISC certification and is listed on the public register.
Member Benefits
What membership gives your organisation
Practical value, continental visibility and a clear standards signal.
StandardsDemonstrated standards alignment
A visible, verifiable signal to partners, investors and regulators that your organisation is committed to continental standards and responsible practice.
ComplianceKYC & AML guidance
Practical documentation guidance and structured support to strengthen your compliance programme across KYC, AML and due diligence obligations.
NetworkContinental network access
Connect with businesses, investors, professional bodies and institutions across Africa’s five regions through ATISC dialogues and events.
Register
Register your organisation with ATISC
To register your organisation, become a member or begin the certification process, please email the secretariat. Include your organisation name, country, sector and the tier you are interested in.
Register by email
registrar@atisc.org
Registration is confirmed once the secretariat has acknowledged your email and provided the certification pack. No fees are payable until the certification process begins.
Careers at ATISC
Build Your Career with ATISC
Explore opportunities to contribute to trade, investment, standards, KYC/AML compliance, and institutional development. ATISC welcomes professional interest from individuals who value integrity, collaboration, and meaningful economic development.
Career Opportunities
Current vacancies
Only genuine, currently advertised vacancies are displayed in this section. When no roles are active, the message below is shown.
There are currently no advertised vacancies.
Please check this page for future career announcements.
Areas of Professional Interest
Fields in which ATISC welcomes professional interest
These are areas of potential professional interest. They are not vacancies, and no roles are currently advertised in these areas.
Trade Research
Investment Analysis
KYC & AML Compliance
Legal and Policy Research
Communications
Partnerships
Administration
Internships and Professional Development
Programmes
This section is reserved for confirmed internship, graduate placement and professional development programmes. Details will be published here when such programmes are formally announced by ATISC.
Application Process
How to apply
- Review the currently advertised roles listed on this page.
- Read the role description and application instructions carefully.
- Follow the specific instructions provided for each advertised vacancy.
- Ensure all requested information is submitted accurately and completely.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.
Contact
Contact the African Trade and Investment Standards Commission
We welcome inquiries from businesses, investors, institutions, professionals, and other stakeholders interested in our work.
Get in Touch
Reach the ATISC secretariat
For inquiries about our work, KYC/AML guidance, membership, partnerships or general matters, please contact the secretariat directly.
For certification, contact the secretariat
registrar@atisc.org
Toll-Free Telephone
Toll-free line to the ATISC secretariat
Support team available 24 hours
Office Address
456 UN Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya
ATISC headquarters and secretariat
Business Hours
Mon – Sat · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Support team available 24 hours for urgent inquiries
Note: ATISC does not currently operate an online contact form. All inquiries — including certification, KYC/AML and membership — should be directed to registrar@atisc.org. Please include your organisation name and the nature of your inquiry for a faster response.
Membership & Certification
Ready to register your organisation?
For certification at the flat $350 USD fee, membership registration or partnership discussions, email the secretariat directly.