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AFROSAI-E Successfully Holds the Annual Technical Conference

Introduction

The African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions from English-speaking countries (AFROSAI-E) recently concluded its highly anticipated and successful 18th Technical Conference themed MOVE, which took place from the 7 to 9 November, 2023, in Pretoria, South Africa. The event provided a platform for delegates from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) across the region to discuss critical topics related to SAI transformation, digital transformation, professionalisation, quality audits and the auditing of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speakers at the Conference

The conference commenced with a comprehensive session on “Building Blocks for SAI Transformation,” emphasizing the need for SAIs to adapt to the evolving landscape and enhance their effectiveness. Expert speakers shared insights on strategic planning, governance, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, presenting a roadmap for strengthening the capabilities of SAIs. Among the guest speakers at the annual conference included: Meisie Nkau (CEO:AFROSAI-E); Dr. Joseph Asunka (CEO: Afrobarometer); Tichaona Zororo(Director: EGIT); Justus Ongera(SAI Kenya); Phila Ndarana (SAI South Africa); Pramesh Bhana (Sherpa Enterprise); Jan Van Schalkwyk (EO: SAI South Africa), Paul Forges (CAAF President); Sherazade Shafiq (CAAF International Programme Director); Primien Ufitinkindi (SAI Rwanda), Adriano Martins (SAI Brazil); Vivi Niemenmaa (Secretary General, INTOSAI WGEA); Archana Shirsat (Deputy Director General, IDI); Yuster Salala (SAI Tanzania); Neo Hlatshwayo (Technical Director, API); Alta Prinsloo (CEO, PAFA); among others.

Digital Transformation

One of the highlights of the conference was the session dedicated to the future of audit and the pathway to digital transformation. With emerging technologies reshaping the audit profession, delegates were introduced to cutting-edge tools and techniques for leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation in auditing processes. The session aimed to equip SAIs with the necessary knowledge and skills to embrace digital transformation within their operations. Emphasis was also placed on SAIs ensuring that the need for digitisation is aligned to the core mandate of the institution rather than blindly keeping up with popular trends.

Sustainable Development Goals

Demystifying SDGs Audit emerged as another crucial topic on the conference agenda. As countries strive to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, SAIs play a pivotal role in ensuring effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of SDG-related initiatives. Delegates explored methodologies, best practices, and challenges associated with conducting SDG audits, with an emphasis on addressing the unique context and diversity of African countries.

The conference also shed light on regional initiatives that are driving the implementation of SDGs across Africa. Delegates shared success stories, lessons learned, and collaborative approaches to foster sustainable development in various sectors. The discussions emphasized the importance of partnerships, knowledge sharing, and coordination among SAIs, governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to maximize the impact of SDG implementation efforts.

Networking and Sharing Experiences

In addition to the informative sessions, the AFROSAI-E Technical Conference provided a valuable platform for networking and sharing experiences among participants. Delegates had the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions, fostering collaboration and strengthening professional relationships.

AFROSAI-E expressed its gratitude to all participants and highlighted the significance of the conference in promoting regional cooperation, innovation, and excellence in public sector auditing. The knowledge gained and the ideas shared during the conference would contribute to the continuous improvement of SAIs in the region and their efforts towards achieving the SDGs.

The Technical Conference served as a catalyst for inspiring SAIs from English-speaking African countries to transform their operations, embrace digitalisation, and effectively contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. With a clear roadmap and enhanced collaboration, SAIs are well-positioned to play a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across the African continent.

About The API –  Our Purpose (Objective)

The API is an independent non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to strengthen the capacity and knowledge base of accounting and auditing professionals in the African public sector to enhance accounting and auditing service delivery to the citizens of Africa.

The API Vision and Mission

Our Vision: An African public sector capacitated with competent, ethical and influential professionals who support accountability, transparency and good financial governance. Our Mission: To grow the capacity of accountancy professionals in the African public sector for enhanced service delivery.

The API Houses / Learning Programmes

You can learn offline anytime from anywhere on your mobile device and complete in 12 to 18 months.

Please choose below what may work for you and drop us an email on info@professionalisation.africa

Houses (Learning Programmes)
• House 1 – Incumbents (Experienced un-professionalised accountants and auditors)-Implemented
• House 2 – Specialisation – Ready for occupation from 2024
• House 3 – Students – Ready for occupation in 2025
• House 4 – Micro credentials – Unique Areas of need by governments Asset management and Accounting; Performance audits etc.
• House 5 – Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The API Partner Organisations

The API Learning Programmes aim to achieve the above institutional goal as a partnership between the accountancy profession (represented by the Pan African Federation of Accountants (“PAFA”)), accountants general or their equivalent (African Association of Accountants General – “AAAG”)), and supreme audit institutions or courts of auditors (represented by the English (“AFROSAI-E”) and French (“CREFIAF”) language sub-groups of the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (“AFROSAI”)).


Contact the API Team for more details: info@professionalisation.africa | www.professionalisation.africa

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