Press Release: How to Announce a Certification in an Impactful Way

Why Issue a Press Release for a Certification?

Obtaining a professional or institutional certification is a strategic milestone for any organization in Africa and beyond. It reflects a commitment to quality, strong governance ethics, and compliance with recognized standards.

Beyond recognition, a certification can:

• Strengthen stakeholder trust (clients, donors, investors, partners)

• Increase media visibility

• Open doors to new markets or funding opportunities

To maximize its impact, it is essential to write a press release that is well-structured, clear, and inspiring—designed to capture the attention of journalists and your target audience.

1. Craft a Catchy and Precise Headline

The title should include:

• The name of the organization

• The type of certification

• The certifying body

Effective examples:

• “ImpactNova Earns the ‘Leadership for Change 2025’ Certification from the African Center for Responsible Management”

• “ImpactNova NGO Certified for Excellence in Inclusive Governance”

2. Write an Engaging Lead Paragraph

The lead (introductory summary) should present in two sentences:

• The certification obtained

• Why it matters

Example:
ImpactNova, a pan-African organization dedicated to empowering youth and women, has just received the “Leadership for Change 2025” certification. This prestigious recognition validates its inclusive governance model and long-term commitment to Africa’s development.

3. Provide Context on the Certification and the Organization

To add credibility to the release, briefly:

• Introduce the organization (mission, actions, impact)

• Specify the certification criteria (by whom, when, for whom, based on what standards)

Example:
Founded in 2018, ImpactNova has supported more than 4,000 beneficiaries through training, mentoring, and funding programs across four African countries. The “Leadership for Change” certification, issued by the African Center for Responsible Management (ACRM), annually recognizes organizations distinguished by ethical governance, transparent management, and strong social impact.

4. Highlight the Criteria Behind the Certification

It’s not enough to say the organization is certified—you must explain why.

Example:
The jury praised ImpactNova’s transparency in internal processes, its participatory decision-making model, and the rigor of its monitoring and evaluation system. Beneficiaries’ direct involvement in co-designing projects was considered a remarkable innovation in Africa’s nonprofit sector.

5. Add an Official Quote

A quote adds authenticity and humanizes the press release.

Example:
“This certification is not an end goal, but a springboard. It proves that another model of governance is possible: transparent, inclusive, and impact-driven. Our ambition now is to inspire other actors across Africa to adopt the same standards,” said Aminata Doucouré, Executive Director of ImpactNova.

6. Emphasize the Strategic Implications

Finally, show the tangible perspectives this certification brings:

• Strengthened credibility with international donors

• New funding opportunities

• Development of public and private partnerships

• Geographic expansion of activities

• Training and knowledge-sharing with other stakeholders

Example:
With this certification, ImpactNova consolidates its position as a key player in social innovation in Africa. The organization plans to strengthen collaborations with public institutions, diversify its private-sector partnerships, and support other associations in adopting more inclusive governance practices.

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