The 19th Technical Conference unfolded over four dynamic days from 28 October to 1 November, bringing together regional SAIs and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, celebrate achievements, and forge the path forward. From strategic planning and quality management to digital innovation and sustainability, here’s a look at the key moments from each day.
Day 1: Opening and strategic vision for 2025-2029
The conference opened with an inspiring welcome from our CEO, Meisie Nkau, setting a tone of purpose and collaboration. Our keynote session, facilitated by international communication expert Chris Fenning, focused on strengthening leadership communication skills. Fenning shared techniques for crafting concise, relevant, and persuasive messages—a core competency for driving quality audits and meaningful engagement.
In the afternoon, we delved into AFROSAI-E’s strategic vision for 2025 to 2029, sparking thought-provoking discussions among attendees. Leaders shared insights on the priorities and goals shaping our collective future, emphasising collaboration and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Quality took centre stage on Day 2, with sessions dedicated to the foundation of effective public sector audits. Curtis Snyders and Eugene De Haan, from the Auditor-General of South Africa, shared their transformative journey toward professionalisation and the implementation of ISSAI 140 on Quality Management. These insights underscored practical, actionable steps for building sustainable quality practices within Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs).
Prof. Bernard Peter Agulhas further enriched the day’s focus with a compelling session on audit quality and quality audit. He highlighted the essential qualities needed to achieve a quality audit:
- Upholding strong values, ethics, and attitudes.
- Ensuring the audit team possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, experience, and time.
- Adhering to laws, regulations, and standards.
- Engaging effectively with stakeholders.
Agulhas emphasised that audit quality is more than a process—it is a mindset and a commitment that empowers SAIs to uphold the highest standards.
Day 3: Selecting impactful audit topics
Selecting relevant, citizen-centric audit topics focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were the focal points on Day 3. With over 25 countries represented, this was a significant opportunity to gather diverse perspectives on incorporating ESG and SDG frameworks into auditing practices, highlighting the evolving role of SAIs in promoting sustainable and accountable governance. Discussions explored how SAIs can leverage their mandates to contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts, underscoring a collective commitment to positive societal impact.
The day also included insightful feedback from the six SAIs that piloted the AFROSAI-E Extractive Industries Sector Group initiative.
Day 4: Leadership insights and recognition of excellence
The final day celebrated leadership and achievement. Henriette Malherbe from Henley Business School shared insights on navigating leadership challenges, encouraging attendees to cultivate resilience and adaptability.
The Recognition of Excellence Awards are presented annually at the Technical Conference to SAIs that demonstrate excellence and lead by example in innovation and project implementation. This year, we were thrilled to recognise the work of two SAIs in the region:
2024 Recognition of Excellence in Digitalisation and IT Innovation Award: SAI Malawi
In recognition of its innovation and commitment to long-term impact, we proudly present SAI Malawi with the 2024 Recognition of Excellence in Digitalisation and IT Innovation Award!
At the recent 2024 GB session on SAI Digitalisation and Audit Automation, we explored the transformative impact of digital tools on audit timeliness, accuracy, and governance. We were thrilled to honour an SAI that embodies this transformation spirit, driving public accountability and efficiency through technology.
This year’s Digitalisation Award goes to a SAI that has implemented the AFROSAI-E SAI Enhancement Audit Tool (A-SEAT) with vision and dedication, established an automation task force, and pioneered the GIZ SAI IT Maturity Assessment.
The journey towards digitalisation is neither easy nor without its challenges. Gaining acceptance from key stakeholders, particularly the primary beneficiaries of digitalisation, can be difficult. This award acknowledges the remarkable milestones and progress made in digitalisation efforts, even as the institution navigates through inevitable growing pains and initial hurdles.
The SAI’s commitment to building a sustainable digital future is demonstrated by its investment in dedicated technical resources and its leadership’s ability to rally staff and stakeholders in this digital journey.
Congratulations on setting the standard for digital transformation in public sector auditing.
2024 Recognition of Excellence Award: SAI The Gambia
Since 2018, the National Audit Office of The Gambia (NAO) has collaborated closely with AFROSAI-E and IDI under the Accelerated Peer-Support Partnership Programme (PAP-APP). Originally a smaller project, this initiative has expanded into a robust, multi-component partnership driving impactful change.
With funding from The World Bank, the project has empowered NAO Gambia to deliver on key areas like Performance Audit and Quality Assurance. The results? NAO Gambia has doubled its annual performance audit reports for state-owned enterprises, seeing these findings debated in the National Assembly for the first time. In addition, the newly developed Quality Management Unit now has a Quality Assurance Strategy aligned with ISSAI 140 and has implemented annual plans and policies for long-term accountability.
Through dynamic project management, including a steering committee and coordination team, NAO has enhanced resource use, improved planning efficiency, and built lasting partnerships, all while delivering ahead of schedule. This achievement showcases NAO Gambia’s dedication to advancing government accountability and transparency.
Congratulations SAI Gambia!
It’s a wrap on the 19th Technical Conference!
The conference wrapped up on an unforgettable note. South African music legend PJ Powers made a surprise appearance, performing the newly created AFROSAI-E anthem inspired by her iconic song, Jabulani. Her performance brought attendees together in a shared moment of pride and celebration, energising them for the journey ahead.
As we reflect on this year’s conference, the experiences, insights, and collaborative spirit continue to inspire. Here’s to building on these achievements as we work toward a future of accountability, quality, and innovation.
