Programme Support to Office of the Auditor General in Zambia (2022-2025)

Achievements of the programme implementation for the 13Month period included audit of key ministries, some parastatal bodies and local authorities which will culminate into the publication of the 2023 Auditor General's report in September 2024. In addition, the Office also developed a stakeholder management plan and increased public sensitisation on published audits through radio and television. Other major audit reports published during the year under review include: Report of the Auditor General on the Accounts of the Republic for the Financial Year Ended 31st December 2022. Report of the Auditor General on the Accounts of Parastatal Bodies and Other Statutory Institutions for the Financial Year Ended 31st December 2022. Report of the Auditor General on the Accounts of Local Authorities for the Financial Year Ended 31st December 2022. Report of the Auditor General on the Constituency Development Fund for the Financial Year Ended 31st December 2022. The Office audited all the 116 local authorities representing 100% audit coverage. The reports highlighted significant accountability and performance issues that negatively affect public service delivery. The reports were deliberated upon by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee under the Report of the Auditor General on the Accounts of the Republic for the year ended 31st December 2022 in order to make recommendations on the resolution of the audit queries. The reports are also available on the Office website at www.ago.gov.zm for the public. For continuous improvements and adherence to best practices, the Office subscribed to international public sector auditing organisations such as INTOSAI, AFROSAI and AFROSAIE. This contributes to enhanced knowledge of International Standards participation in training and knowledge sharing events indepth knowledge of emerging auditing methodologies and best practice and improved overall audit capacity. 67 staff were trained audit methodology and in assessing information system controls in Financial Audits, by inhouse trainers. 39 laptops were purchased bringing the number of auditors with laptops to 312 leaving a gap of 104 auditors without laptops. This has increased security for confidential audit information as opposed to the use of personal laptops. All the above successes significantly contribute to the the timely release of the annual audit of the accounts of the Republic of Zambia, and ultimately reduced corruption, more funds for poverty reduction and continuous strengthening of Public Financial Management systems.

The functions of the Auditor General are to audit the accounts of State Organs, State institutions, Provincial Administration, Local Authorities and other institutions financed from public funds. The mission of OAG is to provide timely quality audit services to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources for the well-being of the citizenry. The 2022 2026 Strategic Plan provides for six (6) objectives: 1. Improve audit services 2. Improve stakeholder engagement 3. Enhance resource mobilization and management 4. Improve operational systems and procedures 5. Enhance human capital 6. Improve infrastructure, tools and equipment