TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) is the first East African organisation to be awarded the CIPS Corporate Certification Standard.
The trade development agency’s procurement processes and practices were analysed in relation to leadership and organisation, people, performance management, process, systems and strategy.
The audit included 110 questions relating to its procurement and supply chain policies, and internal and external feedback. The independent verifier noted how positive the organisation was, with an appetite for development.
Worldwide, 128 organisations hold certification, but TMEA is only the second organisation in Africa, after the Africa Development Bank, to be awarded the Standard. “This award serves as further proof of TMEA 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, CEO of TMEA.
In existence since 2010, TMEA is funded by a range of development agencies with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through trade, by increasing physical access to markets, enhancing the trade environment and improving business competitiveness.
David Noble, group CEO, CIPS, said: “TMEA has proved itself to be tenacious and committed to improvements to their procurement and supply chain management.
“The procurement team were professional throughout and their supportive documents were exemplar. They were also able to offer evidence of strict adherence to their prevention of bribery and corruption policies as they continue to maintain high standards.”
Ali Mufuruki, TMEA’s chairman, added: “TMEA is committed to securing value for money by ensuring rigorous, fair and open procurements. TMEA complies with the highest possible ethical standards and does everything it can to ensure scarce resources are used wisely.”