TradeEMark East Africa (TMA) has won the world’s most prestigious corporate procurement certification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), making it the first organisation in the region to clinch the award.

Speaking at a brief awarding ceremony, the TMA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Frank Matsaert, said the institution was proud to win the award as it speaks loudly of their dedication to maintain the highest standards in procurement amidst some challenges.

“We at TMA are very proud to receive the certification. It acknowledges our efforts to maintain the standards and principles of transparency and good governance in procurement,” he said at the function also attended by the Vice Chairman of TMA’s Board of Directors, Mr Tim Lamont and CIPS Managing Director, Mr Andre Coetzee.

Mr Matsaert said the award served as another proof that TMA was adhering to the highest standards in procurement and was maintaining the principles of probity, transparency, consistence and fairness as a benchmark of good management. “We are trying to be change makers.

We help to enhance growth and prosperity to our partners. That is what we do and we’re very passionate about that,” he said. TMA had always strived to achieve top excellence in procurement and make both efficient and effective to provide the real value for money.

“This shows the region and to our stakeholders and partners that that we are serious in doing the right thing and we do it well.” The CIPS Managing Director, Mr Andre Coetzee, said although TMA had been in existence for a few years, they have proved to be tenacious and committed to improvements to their procurement and supply chain management.

“The procurement team was supportive throughout and their supportive documents were exemplary.

“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,”

The Vice Chairman of TMA’s Board of Directors, Tim Lamont said the Board was also proud that the organization was 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,” he said.

TMA is a specialist trade organization working with the East African Community (EAC) institutions and governments of member states, 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: Daily News

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.