The award makes TMA the second organisation in Africa, after the Africa Development Bank, to receive the certification, and the first in East Africa.

“This award serves as further proof of TMA adhering to the highest international standards in procurement, maintaining the principles of probity, transparency, consistency and fairness as a benchmark of good management,” said Frank Matsaert TMA Chief Executive Officer.

He added, “They were also able to offer evidence as strict adherence to their prevention of bribery and corruption policies as they continue to work hard to maintain these high standards.

This was a strong submission and a credit to TMA. I hope they will progress from strength to strength,” A global professional body,

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) informed TMA of the certification this week. This comes after a detailed evaluation of the organisation’s procurement structures and practices.

CIPS analysed TMA procurement processes according to 110 questions under the following headings; leadership & organisation, people, performance management, process and systems and strategy.

The CIPS process, through the 110 questions, provided the greatest audit,internal/ external and constructive feedback received from internal and external stakeholders.

After an evaluation period of eight months,TMA received the news of the certification on Monday making it the first East African company to have qualified for the award.

The award of the certification places TMA among a very select group of companies globally. Currently, there are only 128 companies in the world that hold this certification.

The accreditation is awarded to businesses and organisations that achieve the highest international standards in their procurement and supply chain policies and procedures.

It is awarded after a rigorous, comprehensive and systematic review carried out by an independent auditor. The procurement team were professional throughout and their supportive documents were exemplary.

TMA stakeholders and partners welcomed the news and noted the award was proof of TMA’s credibility. Ali Mufuruki, TMA’s chairman of the board noted “The Board of TMA is committed to securing value for money by ensuring rigorous, fair and open procurements.

The CIPS certification is acknowledgement that TMA complies with the highest possible ethical standards and does everything it can to ensure that scarce resources are used wisely.”

An event to formally present TMA with the certificate will be held later this month. TMA is a specialist trade organisation working with East African Community (EAC) institutions and East Africa national governments, private sector and civil societies to increase prosperity through trade. It has offices in Juba, Nairobi, Arusha, Dar Es Salaam, Bujumbura, Kampala and Kigali.

Source: Foot Print to Africa

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.