Global SAI Accountability Initiative (GSAI)
Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) play a vital role in ensuring transparency, good governance, and the responsible use of public funds. However, in many countries facing political, economic, and social challenges, SAIs struggle to fulfil their mandate effectively. The Global SAI Accountability Initiative (GSAI) is designed to change that.
Launched in late 2022 by IDI and the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation, GSAI brings together peer SAIs, donors, and development partners to provide long-term, strategic support to SAIs in some of the most challenging environments worldwide.
Why GSAI?
Achieving sustainable development requires strong national systems for public financial management. Yet, many countries lack the oversight needed to ensure public resources are used effectively.
GSAI focuses on SAIs operating in complex environments, providing them with the support needed to strengthen their capacity and deliver high-impact audits. These SAIs were selected based on key criteria, including:
- Countries classified as low-income or lower-middle-income (OECD DAC list of ODA recipients)
- Countries listed as fragile (World Bank’s harmonized list of fragile situations)
- Countries with high corruption risks (lowest quartiles of the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index)
- SAIs with limited performance data or no existing capacity development support
By addressing these challenges, GSAI empowers SAIs to drive meaningful change in their countries.
Our Mission and Approach
GSAI aligns with IDI's Strategic Plan 2024-2029 and the IDC strategy 2020-2030 to:
• Strengthen SAIs: Provide tailored, SAI-led capacity development for lasting impact
• Foster collaboration: Establish coordinated partnerships between SAIs, donors, and technical experts to deliver customized support
• Advance good governance: Support SAIs in promoting accountability and transparency, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16.6
GSAI ensures that each participating SAI receives targeted, long-term support through a collaborative, peer-driven model. This includes direct partnerships with experienced SAIs, regional organisations, and donors committed to sustainable development.
Individual project groups are established to develop and implement sound tailored capacity development projects for targeted SAIs, consisting of the SAI itself and interested providers of support (e.g. donor organisations, INTOSAI regions and other INTOSAI bodies, peer SAIs).
Where we work
The SAIs of Belize, Benin, Dominica, Haiti, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon and Tajikistan have joined the initiative. These SAIs have unique opportunities for development and needs of support.
Each country benefits from tailored development projects designed to address its unique needs, ensuring the best use of expertise and resources.
GSAI in action: Strengthening Accountability in Challenging Contexts
Since its inception, GSAI has built strong partnerships, delivered targeted technical support, and facilitated knowledge-sharing among SAIs worldwide.
Watch the GSAI Video to see how SAIs, donors, and partners are working together to drive accountability and transparency. The video is available with subtitles in English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
GSAI is more than a project—it’s a movement to strengthen public sector accountability where it’s needed most. Join us in making an impact.
GSAI partners
