Strengthening public procurement capacities on a sustainable basis

A training-of-trainers programme focusing on the development of pedagogical tools and the strengthening of skills in public procurement is currently taking place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and will run until 6 March 2026. The programme brings together 35 participants from institutions involved in public procurement and forms part of a structured approach aimed at sustainably professionalising practices and supporting knowledge transfer within public administrations.

This initiative is aligned with the national strategy for the professionalisation of the public procurement sector, led by the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ARMP), with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Public Finance Governance Support Project (PAGFIP). Its objective is to sustainably structure competencies and enhance the effectiveness of public procurement management practices.

SETYM International’s commitment is part of a sustainable approach to supporting public institutions, focused on capacity building and the professionalisation of practices. By investing in the training of trainers and the development of appropriate pedagogical tools, this approach helps to structure knowledge transfer and support more effective and transparent public procurement management.

This initiative has also received coverage in Cameroon Tribune, the national daily newspaper of reference, through the publication of the official communiqué issued by the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ARMP). This coverage highlights the importance attached to this training-of-trainers programme, as well as the role of SETYM International in supporting Cameroonian institutions in the professionalisation of public procurement. It reflects the institutional significance of this initiative and its contribution to the sustainable strengthening of capacities within the public procurement sector in Cameroon.

Joseph NGO, Director General of the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ARMP), authored this communiqué published in the Cameroon Tribune on 19 January:

Facilitated by SETYM International and utilising the innovative e-learning platform provided by the PRIDESOFT system, this training is integral to the overarching strategy to professionalise the skills chain across all stages of the public contracts management cycle. The programme aims to develop standardised training tools and build a national pool of accredited trainers dedicated to delivering consistent and effective training to public contracts stakeholders.”

View the page on the professionalisation of public procurement

Meet the Winners of Our 2025 Contest

Each year, SETYM International recognises the commitment of managers and development professionals who choose continuous learning as a driving force for organisational progress. Our annual contest is part of that mission: offering a unique opportunity to strengthen one’s skills within our international training seminars.

A Career-Shaping Opportunity

The 2025 edition offered participants the chance to win a complimentary place in one of our seminars (excluding airfare and accommodation). This award reflects our dedication to supporting professionals in advancing their careers while contributing to the growth of our global alumni network.

A Draw Conducted with Full Legal Oversight

To ensure impeccable fairness, the draw was supervised by Me Ismaël COULIBALY, lawyer at the Barreau du Québec and partner at BENOÎT & CÔTÉ INC. An anonymised list of participant identifiers was provided to him, guaranteeing complete neutrality throughout the selection process.

Congratulations to Our Two Laureates for 2025

Thank You to All Participants

Your enthusiasm demonstrates, once again, the strength and vitality of the SETYM community. For nearly 40 years, we have supported public- and private-sector professionals in building their expertise through applied training rooted in international best practices.

Through our seminars, professional accreditations and capacity-building initiatives, we remain firmly committed to empowering the leaders who are shaping the future of their institutions.

Interested in the 2026 Contest?

Click the button below to explore full details.

Congratulations once again to our winners — and thank you to each of you for helping keep the SETYM spirit alive around the world!

On 14 August 2025, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP) organised in Abidjan the official certificate award ceremony for the 2024 cohort of the Manager Specialist in Procurement (PPMS®) programme.

A total of 88 new experts from the public sector, the private sector and civil society received their accreditation, joining the previous cohorts. With more than 400 professionals certified since 2022, Côte d’Ivoire now stands out as a leading country in West Africa in the professionalisation of public procurement actors.

A structuring partnership between ARCOP and SETYM International

During the ceremony, Mr Larbi BENNOUNA, President and Chief Executive Officer of SETYM International, praised “the excellence of the cooperation between ARCOP and SETYM International, which has enabled Côte d’Ivoire to take the lead in the sub-region in terms of accredited professionals in public procurement.”

A ceremony marked by high-level interventions

???? Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire — The 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, held on 13 and 14 May 2025, brought together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, ministers, policymakers and heads of state from across Africa and around the world to discuss the continent’s economic future.

SETYM International was represented by its President and CEO, Mr Larbi Bennouna, who participated in several high-level meetings at this flagship event for Africa’s private sector.

A summit focused on public-private partnership

The central theme of this edition, “Can a new public-private deal reshape the future of the continent?”, highlighted the profound economic transformations underway and the urgent need to build strong alliances between institutional and economic actors to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.

Canadian and Quebec partners mobilised

Mr Bennouna’s participation in the event was highlighted by several meetings organised by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, a global network present in over 160 cities. Its mission is to support Canadian businesses in their international expansion by providing targeted support, concrete opportunities and tailored funding programmes.

On behalf of SETYM International, Mr Bennouna warmly thanked the entire team for their professionalism, field presence and unwavering support.

SETYM also wishes to highlight the outstanding work of Investissement Québec International (IQI), whose active presence in Abidjan reflects a genuine commitment to economic collaboration between Québec and the African continent. The discussions held helped strengthen strategic ties around a shared vision of sustainable development and global outreach.

This mission was also made possible with the valuable support of the Québec Office in Abidjan, which plays a central role in consolidating institutional and economic relations between Québec and African countries.

The Africa CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the importance of cross-sectoral dialogue and international cooperation in addressing today’s economic challenges.
Through strategic meetings and the engagement of our Canadian and Quebec partners, SETYM International reasserts its role as a trusted partner in institutional development—across Africa and beyond.