API-USAID, PAAB and NIPA Namibia Advance Public Sector Professionalisation in Namibia
IFAC MOU Partners
This initiative paves the way for a comprehensive joint engagement involving IFAC, PAFA, GAVI, Global Fund, USAID, and API, with initial pilot initiatives set to roll out in select countries. The expansion of these interventions will be driven by country interest and funding availability, promising a concerted effort to drive positive change and ensure accountability within the public health sector. As stakeholders unite under this collaborative framework, the stage is set to drive meaningful impact and usher in a new era of accountability in public health.
MOU with PAAB and NIPA
During the in-country engagements, the API team achieved a significant milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB) and the Namibia Institute of Professional Accountants (NIPA). This partnership signifies a pivotal advancement in API’s (AFROSAI-E; CREFIAF; AAAG; PAFA) mission to advance public sector Professionalisation not only in Namibia but across Africa.
The Auditor General (AG) of Namibia, Mr. Junias Kandjeke, who also serves as the chair of the PAAB Board, delivered a keynote address highlighting the profound impact that professionalisation will have on public service. As a founding visionary of the African Professionalisation Initiative and a steadfast advocate for its implementation in Namibia, AG Kandjeke has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the cause. In his remarks, he urged all key stakeholders to rally behind the professionalisation programme, emphasizing its critical role in driving Africa’s transformation.
Key Messages at the MOU Signing Ceremony
The event featured keynote addresses from prominent figures, including Mr. Zaa Nashandi, Head of Secretariat of PAAB Namibia, who encouraged all attendees to champion professionalisation across the public sector. Additionally, Mr. Milton Eiseb, President of NIPA, delivered a compelling call to action, stressing the essential role of professionalisation in realising Africa’s transformation as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063. He underscored the imperative for increased accountability and transparency in the management of public resources to foster socio-economic development in Namibia and across the continent.
Performance Audits Programme
The visit sparked substantial interest among local stakeholders in the Performance Audits for Health Sector Commodities Learning Programme. Developed in collaboration with the University of Botswana, this programme is set to pilot from July 2024. It targets a diverse group of professionals, from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) staff to health sector consultants, aiming to enhance their skills and employability.
Stakeholders praised API’s commitment to inclusivity and rigorous standards. They expressed eagerness to access API’s innovative online learning platform, which promises to deliver comprehensive professional development through specialised courses like the Performance Audits for Health Sector Commodities and the API professionalization programmes. This digital approach is poised to transform how professionals in the public sector enhance their capabilities, allowing for learning that is both flexible and impactful.
Furthermore, API’s engagement with various government structures, including the Prime Minister’s Office, underscored the initiative’s broad reach and its alignment with national priorities. Discussions emphasized the integration of internal auditors at all government levels, enhancing oversight and accountability within public administration.
Investments beyond Health Sector
The API-USAID team also received commendations for their efforts to extend support beyond the health sector, aligning with USAID Namibia’s significant investments in youth, gender, and sports ministries. This holistic approach demonstrates a robust commitment to nurturing a well-rounded public service that can meet diverse societal needs.
As API continues to expand its engagements and partnerships across Africa, the successful visit to Namibia stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable improvements in governance and public accountability. With continued support from stakeholders and partners like USAID, API is well on its way to realizing its vision of an African public sector empowered by competent, ethical, and influential professionals
About The API
The African Professionalisation Initiative 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.
Our Vision: An African public sector sustainably capacitated with competent, ethical and influential professionals who support accountability, transparency and good financial governance. Our Mission: Grow the capacity of public sector finance management professionals in the African public sector through high quality, relevant and future fit learning programmes.
The API Partner Organisations
The African Professionalisation Initiative is 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”)).
API is not a PAO
API functions not as a Professional Accountancy Organization (PAO) but as a facilitator and catalyst for the professionalization of public sector accountants and auditors. This role is pivotal in accelerating greater accountability and transparency within the public sector. Such efforts contribute to the growth in the number of professional accountants qualified for membership in national PAOs. This expansion enhances the effectiveness of these PAOs in delivering significant value to governments by strengthening the accountancy profession at the national, continental (through PAFA), and international levels (with IFAC).
The API Houses / Learning Programmes
You can learn offline and update your records the next time you have access to the internet. Learning takes 12 to 18 months to complete.
Please choose below the house that works for you and drop us a mail – info@professionalisation.africa
Houses (Learning Programmes) |
Careers / Jobs for API Graduates |
| House 1 – Incumbents (Experienced un-professionalised accountants and auditors)-Implemented | ✔ Government Accountant ✔ Budget Analyst ✔ Financial controller ✔ Government Auditor ✔ Tax examiner ✔ Public Financial Management Consultant ✔ Non-profit Accountant ✔ Financial Analyst ✔ Grants and Contracts Manager ✔ Compliance Officer ✔ Public Sector Financial Reporting Specialist✔ Sector specific accountants, auditors, advisors e.t.c. |
| 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: E.g. The Public Sector Ethics Certification that is available for all government accountants, auditors and other officers etc. | |
| House 5 – Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Book an event here | |
| House 6 – Sector specific learning programmes or certifications or Micro credentials e.g. Learning Programme on performance audits for health sector commodities. |