By Osman MANSARAY, SAI – Sierra Leone 🚀

As an IT Auditor and Cybersecurity professional, my mission has always been clear: to strengthen public trust by safeguarding critical systems and ensuring accountability in the rapidly evolving world of technology. I am thrilled to share a transformative milestone in my career: completing the third iteration of the IS Audit Champions Programme (ISACP). This exceptional programme has revolutionised my skills, positioning me as a strategic enabler for enhancing accountability, transparency, and resilience across the public sector.

Launched by AFROSAI-E in collaboration with the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) Norway, ISACP represents a forward-thinking initiative that directly addresses the increasing complexities of auditing public sector information systems. What sets this programme apart is its focus on practical, real-world training designed to elevate participants’ ability to tackle challenges like cybersecurity risks, data integrity, and the protection of public assets.

Unrivalled Benefits of the IS Audit Champions Programme

Over two intensive years, I had the privilege of immersing myself in four cutting-edge modules tailored to tackle the intricate demands of public sector IS auditing:

• Oracle Database Auditing: Gaining mastery over the core of critical public sector databases.
• Financial IS Audits: Ensuring financial transparency and accountability in the public sector.
• MS SQL & Active Directory Auditing: Securing the backbone of enterprise IT environments.
• Network & Firewall Auditing: Strengthening the first line of defence against cyber threats.

Through hands-on practicals and pilot audits, this programme transcended theoretical knowledge, equipping me to anticipate and mitigate emerging risks in real-time. Each session offered unparalleled insights into safeguarding public sector IT infrastructures that underpin governance, service delivery, and national security.

Key Takeaways That Drive Value for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)

• Advanced Technical Expertise
  I now possess the expertise to audit, secure, and optimise critical systems, including databases, financial IS, network infrastructures, and enterprise-level environments. These competencies address the most pressing challenges SAIs face in an increasingly digitised world.
• Enhanced Confidence for Complex IT Audits
  The programme has equipped me to confidently lead high-stakes audits, ensuring the security, reliability, and accountability of public sector IT systems. This capability directly impacts the credibility and effectiveness of SAIs in safeguarding public resources.
• Capacity Building for Sustainable Impact
  Beyond personal growth, the ISACP has empowered me to mentor peers and share insights within my organisation and across borders. By fostering knowledge transfer, I am contributing to creating self-reliant IS audit teams that can scale to meet future challenges.
• Collaborative Professional Networks
  One of the programme’s most significant benefits is its thriving network of IS audit professionals across Africa. This collaboration enables the exchange of best practices, innovative solutions, and regional insights that help SAIs strengthen governance frameworks beyond national boundaries.
• Proactive Cybersecurity & Risk Management
  The training instilled a proactive approach to cybersecurity, shifting the focus from compliance to resilience. This empowers SAIs to protect public finances, citizen data, and essential infrastructure in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Impact on Public Sector Accountability

This programme has been a pivotal turning point in my career. It redefined IS auditing not as a compliance exercise but as a strategic enabler for building trust and transparency. By auditing critical systems that govern public sector operations, I am now positioned to:

• Safeguard public finances and national assets.
• Strengthen data integrity and operational resilience.
• Elevate public confidence in the accountability frameworks supported by SAIs.

The IS Audit Champions Programme has prepared me to tackle not only today’s challenges but also tomorrow’s, including risks tied to emerging technologies like cloud computing, AI, and data analytics.

What is Next for IS Auditors in Africa?

Introducing the Joint Audit Initiative

One exciting proposal that has emerged from the programme is the organisation of a joint audit across Africa for participants who have successfully completed the ISACP. By covering all four critical domains, Oracle Database Auditing, Financial IS Audits, MS SQL & Active Directory Auditing, and Network & Firewall Auditing, this joint audit will:

• Showcase the collective strength and expertise of ISACP alumni.
• Address cross-border IS auditing challenges that affect multiple African nations.
• Put the programme’s teachings into real-world use, ensuring that the skills gained directly benefit Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) across the continent.
• Foster deeper regional collaboration to strengthen accountability, governance, and transparency.

This initiative has the potential to be a landmark achievement, setting the standard for large-scale public sector IS audits and demonstrating the tangible impact of the ISACP.

The Future of IS Auditing in Africa

As technology continues to evolve, the role of IS auditors within SAIs will become increasingly critical. Initiatives like the proposed joint audit will not only enhance IS auditing capacity but also establish a blueprint for cross-border collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of the digital era.

The IS Audit Champions Programme (ISACP) has laid the foundation for this transformation, equipping auditors with the tools to navigate emerging technologies like cloud computing, data analytics, and AI while ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.