Sostenus Wilherm
The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has become the first organisation in Namibia to receive the internationally recognised Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Corporate Ethics Mark, a milestone that positions the institution as a benchmark for ethical public procurement practices.
The award, presented in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 5 August 2026, recognises organisations that demonstrate strong commitment to ethical governance, transparency and accountability in procurement and supply chain management.
The achievement comes as public procurement institutions worldwide face increasing pressure to strengthen oversight, prevent misconduct and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly.
The CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark is granted to organisations that adopt recognised ethical standards, provide ethics training to employees and demonstrate leadership commitment towards responsible procurement practices.
CPBN attained the certification after implementing the CIPS Corporate Code of Ethics, conducting ethics training and assessments for employees involved in procurement and governance functions, and formally endorsing the CIPS Statement of Commitment through its chief executive officer on behalf of the board.
CPBN chief executive officer Idi Itope said the recognition represents a major milestone for Namibia’s public procurement system and reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving trust in the management of public resources.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to conducting public procurement with integrity, fairness and accountability. As the first organisation in Namibia to receive the CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark, we are demonstrating that ethical procurement is central to how we safeguard public resources and serve the people of Namibia,” Itope said.
Itope said the certification demonstrates that ethical procurement practices are not only about compliance but also about building systems that promote confidence among government institutions, suppliers and citizens.
The recognition follows a strategic partnership between CPBN and CIPS established in December 2021, aimed at professionalising Namibia’s procurement sector, strengthening institutional governance and developing procurement skills in line with international best practices.
Through this partnership, CPBN has invested significantly in building the capacity of its workforce.
Six employees have successfully completed the CIPS Corporate Practitioner Programme, with one employee obtaining the internationally recognised Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) professional designation.
Four additional employees are expected to attain the qualification during 2026, while three more staff members joined the programme this year.
A further 40 employees have completed the CIPS Ethical Procurement and Supply Training, strengthening ethical awareness and professional standards within the organisation.
Itope said developing skilled procurement professionals remains central to ensuring that Namibia’s procurement system operates effectively and meets international expectations.
The Ethics Mark provides assurance to public institutions, suppliers and development partners that CPBN operates under recognised ethical standards and maintains a firm stance against fraud, bribery, corruption and procurement-related misconduct.
The certification is expected to strengthen confidence in CPBN’s procurement processes while supporting broader efforts to modernise Namibia’s public procurement environment.
Itope said the recognition aligns with CPBN’s long-term goal of embedding global standards, strengthening institutional integrity and ensuring procurement contributes meaningfully to national development.
The CPBN CEO said the organisation will continue investing in professional development, governance systems and ethical leadership as it works to enhance Namibia’s public procurement framework.
The award places CPBN among institutions internationally recognised for advancing ethical procurement practices and marks a significant step in Namibia’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
