The European Union (EU) and the Office of the Auditor General of Zambia (OAGZ) Twinning Project was officially launched on 5 April.

The Twinning Project, which is supported by the EU under the programme “Support to Effectiveness”, is focused on peer-to-peer institutional support to OAGZ. The objective of the project is to provide technical support to the OAGZ to enhance its capacity to enhance the accountability, transparency and effective management of public resources of Zambia.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, represented by Secretary to the Treasury Mr Felix Nkulukusa, officially launched the EU/OAG Twinning Project. He said the project is part the Effectiveness and Transparency in the Management of Public Resources (EFFECT) programme, the objective of which is to contribute to the sustainable and inclusive economic growth through increased mobilisation and effective use of domestic resources. He said the EU 456 Million Euros programme provides capacity building support to the Office of the Auditor General, National Assembly of Zambia, Anti Corruption Commission, Zambia Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. Mr Nkulukusa said he was optimistic that this Twinning Project, which is the first to be implemented outside Europe, will be successful and of benefit to Zambians.

During the launch, the Auditor General, Dr Dick Chellah Sichembe, underscored the importance for accountability of public resources and making a difference in the lives of the citizens. The EU Head of Cooperation Mr Arnaud Birchard also emphasised that this is a peer-to-peer project with the intent that both entities can learn from each other.