Q: Kindly explain what the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is, its mandate, and the purpose it serves in the Botswana market.
A: CIPS is the leading global professional body for procurement and supply management, setting the benchmark for excellence in the profession. With a presence in over 180 countries, CIPS provides internationally recognised qualifications, thought leadership, and best practices to support professionals and organisations in achieving procurement excellence.
In Botswana, CIPS plays a crucial role in professionalising procurement and supply chain management by equipping practitioners with globally accredited qualifications, continuous professional development opportunities, and a structured code of ethics. Our mission is to enhance procurement capability, drive ethical standards, and support the broader economic development of the country through a skilled procurement workforce.
Q: When was CIPS established in Botswana, and how has it grown since its establishment?
A: CIPS has been present in Botswana for over two decades, supporting procurement professionals across various sectors, including government, parastatals, and the private sector. Over the years, we have expanded our footprint through partnerships with educational institutions, corporate organisations, and government bodies to advance procurement education, training, and best practices.
Our membership has steadily grown, reflecting the increasing recognition of procurement as a critical strategic function within organisations. We have also strengthened our engagement with policymakers and industry leaders to drive procurement reforms and promote ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.
Q: How many members does CIPS have, and what does it take to be a member?
A: Globally, CIPS has over 200,000 professionals within its network, with a significant and growing membership in Botswana. To become a member, individuals must either enrol in our structured qualifications programme or meet the eligibility criteria for direct membership based on experience and existing qualifications.
Membership is tiered, ranging from Student and Affiliate levels to the prestigious MCIPS (Member of CIPS) designation, which is the globally recognised standard for procurement professionals. Members benefit from continuous learning, access to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities, and professional recognition in the field of procurement and supply management.
Q: What is the relationship between CIPS in Botswana and the global organisation, and how do you work together to achieve an aligned mandate?
A: CIPS Botswana operates as part of the broader CIPS network, ensuring that our members and stakeholders in Botswana have access to world-class procurement standards, qualifications, and best practices.
Our activities align with CIPS’ global strategic objectives, focusing on professional development, ethical procurement, and policy engagement. We collaborate closely with CIPS headquarters and regional offices to ensure our training programmes, membership services, and advocacy efforts are consistent with international procurement trends and regulations.
We also contribute to global thought leadership by sharing insights and case studies from Botswana, demonstrating the country’s procurement advancements and challenges on an international platform.
Q: In your view, what is the vital role of ethical procurement in promoting sustainable development?
A: Ethical procurement is a cornerstone of sustainable development. By ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in procurement processes, organisations can minimise corruption, reduce waste, and foster inclusive economic growth.
In Botswana, ethical procurement plays a key role in driving sustainability by promoting responsible sourcing, supporting local suppliers, and ensuring compliance with environmental and labour laws. When procurement is conducted ethically, it contributes to long-term value creation, social equity, and economic resilience.
CIPS champions ethical procurement through our globally recognised Code of Conduct, training programmes, and advocacy efforts that emphasise integrity, fairness, and sustainability in procurement decision-making.
Q: Kindly share your strategy regarding innovative approaches to responsible sourcing in procurement.
A: CIPS advocates for responsible sourcing by equipping procurement professionals with the tools and knowledge to make informed, ethical, and sustainable purchasing decisions. Our strategy focuses on training and certification, thought leadership, collaboration, and technology integration.
We offer specialised courses on responsible sourcing, supplier due diligence, and ethical procurement practices. We also provide research and insights on emerging trends such as circular economy principles, sustainable supply chains, and carbon footprint reduction. Additionally, we partner with industry bodies, government agencies, and businesses to develop policies and best practices that encourage responsible sourcing.
Q: In Botswana, where has CIPS identified gaps in the procurement profession, and what is being done to address them?
A: Some of the key challenges in Botswana’s procurement landscape include skills gaps, ethical challenges, supplier development issues, and limited technology adoption.
CIPS is addressing these gaps through education, training, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders to drive procurement reform and professionalisation in Botswana.
Q: How important is the procurement profession to the Botswana economy or any other economy?
A: Procurement is a critical driver of economic growth, influencing how public and private sector organisations allocate resources and manage supply chains. In Botswana, procurement decisions impact key sectors such as mining, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
Effective procurement ensures value for money, enhances service delivery, promotes local enterprise development, and mitigates risks such as corruption and supply chain disruptions. A well-trained procurement workforce contributes to national competitiveness and economic resilience.
Q: How do you think the procurement profession is evolving in alignment with global trends, and what is CIPS Botswana doing to remain aligned?
A: Procurement is rapidly evolving, influenced by digital transformation, sustainability imperatives, and geopolitical shifts. Key trends shaping the profession include technology-driven procurement, sustainable and ethical sourcing, and risk and resilience management.
CIPS Botswana remains aligned by continuously updating our curriculum, offering specialised training, and engaging with stakeholders to implement best practices that reflect global procurement trends.
Q: What role can technology and innovation play in the procurement profession, and how is CIPS Botswana embracing that?
A: Technology enhances procurement efficiency, transparency, and decision-making. Innovations such as e-procurement platforms, automation, and blockchain improve compliance, reduce costs, and minimise risks.
CIPS Botswana promotes digital procurement transformation by encouraging professionals to adopt e-procurement solutions, offering training on procurement technologies, and collaborating with tech providers to introduce new digital tools into procurement practices.
Q: How does CIPS Botswana work with the government to ensure professionalism and public procurement practices meet global standards?
A: CIPS works closely with the Botswana government through policy engagement, capacity-building programmes, and advisory services. We provide guidance on procurement reforms, support skills development initiatives, and advocate for ethical procurement standards in public procurement.
By aligning with global best practices, we help the government implement efficient and transparent procurement frameworks that drive national development and economic growth.
