About Cotecna

Cotecna is a leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services. We offer solutions to facilitate trade and make supply chains safer and more efficient for our clients. Our technical expertise combined with the superior quality of our services and our ability to anticipate our clients’ needs is what sets us apart.

Founded in 1974 in Switzerland, Cotecna started off as a family business and has now grown to become a world-class international player with more than 100 offices in across approximately 50 countries. Today our trusted network of professionals and certified laboratories apply industry approved standards and provide proven expertise to help clients across our key sectors:

Agriculture
Food
Metals & Mineral
Pharmaceuticals
Certification
Consumer Product Services
ESG Solutions.

About Cotecna Africa

A Strong Legacy in Africa

Africa has played a role in Cotecna’s growth and innovation:

1974 – Cotecna was founded.
1984 – Entry into Africa:
Cotecna’s African journey began when the Nigerian government selected the company to implement a pioneering comprehensive import supervision scheme. This marked the starting point for Cotecna’s long-term involvement in strengthening African trade systems.
Expansion of Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI):
Cotecna adapted its early inspection program into what became known as PSI, an approach that spread across multiple African nations to curb foreign exchange control evasion and improve customs revenue.
1999 – Destination Inspection Pioneer:
Cotecna launched its first Destination Inspection programme in Ghana, introducing risk management tools, capacity building for customs teams, and new technology such as container scanners. This model later expanded across the continent.
2000s – Growing Government Partnerships:
Cotecna secured major contracts with governments across Africa, including Angola, Burkina Faso, Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Togo, further strengthening national customs systems and trade facilitation.
Verification of Conformity (VoC):
The company expanded into product conformity programmes, with Nigeria among the first African countries to adopt Cotecna’s VoC services.
Today – A Strong African Presence:
Cotecna now operates over 15 offices and laboratories in Africa, offering advanced TIC services, including: Non-intrusive scanning (over 70 scanners globally), Electronic transit monitoring, Secure documentation, Risk management solutions, Testing and inspection across agriculture, food, minerals, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals.

Global Footprint Supporting Africa

Founded in Switzerland in 1974, Cotecna has evolved from a small 10-person operation into a global company with more than 8,000 employees in over 50 countries. Its international expertise strengthens its African operations through:

Advanced laboratory capabilities (ISO 17020 and ISO 17025 accredited)
Innovations in inspection and security technology
Sector expertise in Verification of Conformity, Agriculture and Minerals and metals, all critical industries for African economies

Cotecna Africa operates through a network of more than 15 offices and laboratories across the continent. By working in close collaboration with Cotecna’s global network, we deliver efficient, state of the art, and fully tailored solutions to clients both across Africa and around the world.