Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility
Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?
A.M.C. NEWS
First marketers achieve prestigious Chartered Marketer (Africa) designation
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024
Two professionals complete the groundbreaking and rigorous process to achieve Certificate of Chartered Marketer (Africa) Status.
It was a proud moment for the African Marketing Confederation when its first group of candidates recently achieved their Chartered Marketer (Africa) designation.
Two marketing professionals – Kugandrie Govender and Tanya James – completed the rigorous process to achieve the Certificate of Chartered Marketer (Africa) Status. Both operate their own marketing consultancies.
They received their certificates and CM(A) pins at an Awards Breakfast hosted by the President of the AMC, Helen McIntee. Also present were family, senior AMC office bearers, and members of faculty who helped guide and mentor Govender and James through the inaugural CM(A) certification process.
AMC President, Helen McIntee (centre) with Tanya James (left) and Kugandrie Govender. Photo: AMC
Speaking during the Awards Breakfast, McIntee commended and congratulated the pair on achieving prestigious CM(A) status, which is the pinnacle of the AMC’s education offering to its members.
“The CM(A) credential is only awarded to top marketers who prove that they are among the most knowledgeable, highly qualified and accomplished professionals on the continent. I have no doubt that the Chartered Marketer (Africa) status will assist you going forward. It is up to us to emphasise the diversity of Africa to the outside world,” McIntee said.
“I also thank the AMC team for their support in making our dream of the CM(A) a reality”.
Support and guidance of AMC acknowledged
In response, both recipients paid tribute to the AMC team for the support and guidance they received, and pledged to support future candidates in their quests to achieve CM(A) status. They had also been able to learn from each other and become firm friends in the process.
Govender said she believed achieving the CM(A) designation would open up new opportunities for her business on the African continent.
“It has helped me to understand the intricacies of African markets and makes me feel more confident. The CM(A) adds gravitas and puts a solid designation behind my conversations. I highly recommend it to other marketers,” she stated.
According to James, the Chartered Marketer (Africa) process has assisted in her professional development and expanded her horizons about opportunities in Africa.
“I have learned so much already. Getting a degree is one thing, but going through this process really got my creative juices going. The CM(A) journey was exciting and we received amazing support.”
The Chartered Marketer (Africa) is the first Pan-African professional marketing designation awarded to senior marketers in recognition of their marketing experiences and skills.
The programme is unique, the application process is rigorous and of the highest quality, peer reviewed, and culminates in the submission of a white paper or case study at the highest level.
You can find out more about the CM(A) here.
The move toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI
Researchers propose a framework for packaging that senses, learns and acts – making packaging an active, AI-powered tool against food waste.
Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession
Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.
Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan
Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.
We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?
Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.
Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers
Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.
FNB bank’s eBucks programme dominates the 2026 SA loyalty awards
South African brands are increasingly setting the global benchmark for customer loyalty strategies, organisers say.
Zambia’s strongest creative ideas are emerging from local truths
Global influences among younger consumers are still present, but they are being filtered through a distinctly Zambian lens.
Consumers have doubts about products when they’re designed by AI
Researchers find that lack of perceived ‘genuine care’ is the mechanism connecting AI involvement to lower trust ratings.
Top African marketing voices confirmed for AMC 2026
Explore the 2026 AMC Conference speaker line-up. Top African marketing voices gather in Zambia to tackle AI, AfCFTA, and brand power. Register today.
Broadcast Research Council confirms launch of total video measurement
New industry currency will bring South African television and online video audiences together in a single measurement system.