Trade Mark East Africa has received the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply certification, becoming the first East Africa organisation to receive the accreditation.

Globally, only 128 companies hold the certification given for the highest possible international standards in procurement and supply chain policies and procedures.

West African based Africa Development Bank, is the only organisation in Africa with a similar accreditation, making Trade Mark the second.

The certification came after a nine month evaluation which commenced last September and was concluded in May.

TMA chief executive Frank Matsaert said the organisation will be expected to heighten transparency in its procurement and supply processes as required by the accreditation.

He said the regional body currently handles a laarger budget and serves a wider regional population compared to five years ago.

“When we began, our staff consisted of only two people. Now I have a team of more than 150 that is handling a budget of $300 million (Sh31 billion),” he said yesterday in Nairobi.

He spoke when TMA received the certificate from CIPS Africa managing director Andre Coetzee in Nairobi.

Coetzee said transparent and efficient procurement processes will seal bribery and corruption loopholes.

“This brings value to those doing business especially the small and medium enterprises.”

He said the world loses over a trillion dollars to corruption as a result of poor procurement processes with Africa contributing a significant amount.

Source: The Star

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.