News
Signing of CADRE Project work plan and Knowledge-Sharing Workshop
30/10/2024
We’re excited to announce a major milestone in the Collaboration, Action, and Dialogue to Strengthen the Engagement of SAIs and CSOs in Improving Public Financial Management (CADRE Project). On 15 July 2024, the Office of the Auditor General Zambia (OAG-Zambia) hosted a pivotal signing ceremony to formalise the work plans developed under the CADRE Project.
We’re excited to announce a major milestone in the CADRE Project! On 15 July 2024, the Office of the Auditor General Zambia (OAG-Zambia) hosted a pivotal signing ceremony to formalise the work plans developed under the CADRE Project. This initiative, which commenced in June 2024, focuses on strengthening the collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to enhance Public Financial Management (PFM) in Zambia.
The ceremony witnessed the approval of the work plan by the Auditor General of Zambia, Dr Ron Mwamba, IDI Director General, Mr Einar Gørrissen, and TIZ Acting Executive Director, Mr Raymond Mutale. This marked the beginning of a robust partnership supported by funding from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the effective implementation of the project’s objectives.
Following the signing, IDI held a three-day knowledge-sharing workshop, bringing together approximately 30 participants, including representatives from key CSOs. This workshop delved into the roles of SAIs and CSOs within the PFM cycle, explored international best practices, and identified critical areas for collaboration to foster better governance and transparency.
These sessions were instrumental in aligning the objectives of all stakeholders and setting a clear path forward for the successful implementation of the CADRE Project, and the discussion led to the identification of critical activities and strategies essential for the project going forward.
This event marked a significant step in building stronger partnerships for better governance in Zambia, especially with stakeholders on the ground.
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On 24-27 September 2024, IDI and Transparency International Zambia held an impactful four-day workshop in Zambia as part of the CADRE Project, focusing on fostering collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the realm of Public Financial Management (PFM). Bringing together over 40 participants, the workshop explored strategies for collaboration and information sharing to improve accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
The primary objective of the workshop was to deepen participants’ understanding of the roles CSOs can play in PFM and to identify practical ways in which CSOs can support Office of the Auditor General (OAG) in Zambia in safeguarding public resources. This dialogue was designed to explore how CSOs can strengthen their advocacy for SAI independence and contribute to promoting good governance.
The workshop’s sessions covered a broad range of topics, each designed to build on the previous day’s discussions and drive meaningful outcomes. Some key highlights included:
– The Role of CSOs in PFM: Participants explored how CSOs can advocate for transparency and accountability while engaging citizens in PFM processes.
– Challenges and Opportunities for CSOs: Discussions on the legal, political, and resource-related challenges faced by CSOs in advocating for better financial oversight.
– Advocacy and Communication Strategies: Participants learned tools and techniques for effective advocacy, including how to engage with the media and influence public policy.
– The Power of Collaboration: The workshop featured case studies of successful collaborations between CSOs and SAIs, demonstrating the tangible benefits of such partnerships.
– SAI Independence: Participants delved into the importance of SAI independence and how it underpins public accountability, with a focus on Zambia’s unique context.
The workshop was structured around several critical themes and covered the following:
1. Enhanced Knowledge of PFM and CSO Roles
Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of PFM processes, including its key components and stakeholders. The sessions highlighted the importance of public accountability in financial management and covered how CSOs can actively contribute, such as through advocacy, monitoring public expenditure, and promoting transparency. The knowledge sharing sessions were a vital foundation for enhancing collaboration between CSOs and the OAG.
2. Strategic Alignment Between CSOs and SAIs
One of the workshop’s critical discussions centred on aligning CSOs’ objectives with the ambitions of the OAG. By developing strategies to harmonise their activities, CSOs can work more effectively alongside the OAG to advance oversight of public funds. During the workshop, the participants identified opportunities for collaboration and practical ways to create synergies that promote good governance between these stakeholders.
3. A Roadmap for CSO Advocacy for SAI Independence
Participants discussed regional case studies and best practices, resulting in the development of a collaborative action plan that enables CSOs to advocate effectively for the independence of SAIs, particularly the OAG in Zambia. Not only does this roadmap equip CSOs with tools to enhance their advocacy efforts; it also underscores the role CSOs can play in championing audit institutions to ensure they can operate without external influence and remain effective watchdogs over public resources.
As the workshop concluded, participants presented their roadmaps for CSO advocacy, followed by a reflective evaluation session. These roadmaps will serve as a guide for future activities—outlining clear, actionable steps that CSOs can take to support SAI independence and improve PFM practices. By fostering a stronger relationship between CSOs and OAG Zambia, the CADRE Project is advancing progress towards ensuring public resources are managed responsibly and for the benefit of all citizens. We would like to thank all of the participants, and especially our organising partner Transparency International Zambia for the fruitful collaboration.
Following this July’s launch of the CADRE Project in Malawi, the implementing partners— INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), the National Audit Office of Malawi (NAO), and Transparency International Malawi—under the umbrella of the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), have now signed a statement of commitment to enhance collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Aimed at improving public financial management (PFM) at the country level, this multi-stakeholder project is now well underway.
On 29 August, representatives from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the French Embassy in Pretoria, IDI, NAO, Transparency International Secretariat, and AICC met as part of the CADRE Project Steering Committee to discuss upcoming activities that could strengthen the engagement between SAIs and CSOs in Malawi and to approve a consolidated work plan for the project going forward.
At the same time, participants from CSOs in Malawi, the National Audit Office, and cooperating partners GIZ, the Norwegian Embassy, and the European Union took part in a Knowledge Sharing Workshop. This event served as a platform for dialogue and learning, focusing on identifying opportunities to enhane collaboration among key stakeholders involved in PFM processes.
Topics covered included: the power of collaboration in improving PFM, the mandate and types of audits performed by the NAO, the roles and operations of CSOs, an overview of the PFM environment, and the legal framework governing these collaborations. The participants also learned about existing challenges to collaboration and explored strategies to achieve more sustainable and impactful partnerships between SAIs and CSOs.
The CADRE Project, funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continues to play a vital role in fostering dialogue, action, and collaboration to strengthen public financial management in Malawi. Stay tuned for more project updates later this year.
IDI’s CADRE Project advances in Malawi to strengthen collaboration between SAIs and CSOs and improve public financial management with partners at the country level
Following this July’s launch of the CADRE Project in Malawi, the implementing partners— INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), the National Audit Office of Malawi (NAO), and Transparency International Malawi—under the umbrella of the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), have now signed a statement of commitment to enhance collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Aimed at improving public financial management (PFM) at the country level, this multi-stakeholder project is now well underway.
On 29 August, representatives from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the French Embassy in Pretoria, IDI, NAO, Transparency International Secretariat, and AICC met as part of the CADRE Project Steering Committee to discuss upcoming activities that could strengthen the engagement between SAIs and CSOs in Malawi and to approve a consolidated work plan for the project going forward.
At the same time, participants from CSOs in Malawi, the National Audit Office, and cooperating partners GIZ, the Norwegian Embassy, and the European Union took part in a Knowledge Sharing Workshop. This event served as a platform for dialogue and learning, focusing on identifying opportunities to enhane collaboration among key stakeholders involved in PFM processes.
Topics covered included: the power of collaboration in improving PFM, the mandate and types of audits performed by the NAO, the roles and operations of CSOs, an overview of the PFM environment, and the legal framework governing these collaborations. The participants also learned about existing challenges to collaboration and explored strategies to achieve more sustainable and impactful partnerships between SAIs and CSOs.
The CADRE Project, funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continues to play a vital role in fostering dialogue, action, and collaboration
We’re excited to announce a major milestone in the CADRE Project! On 15 July 2024, the Office of the Auditor General Zambia (OAG-Zambia) hosted a pivotal signing ceremony to formalise the work plans developed under the CADRE Project. This initiative, which commenced in June 2024, focuses on strengthening the collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to enhance Public Financial Management (PFM) in Zambia.
The ceremony witnessed the approval of the work plan by the Auditor General of Zambia, Dr Ron Mwamba, IDI Director General, Mr Einar Gørrissen, and TIZ Acting Executive Director, Mr Raymond Mutale. This marked the beginning of a robust partnership supported by funding from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the effective implementation of the project’s objectives.
Following the signing, IDI held a three-day knowledge-sharing workshop, bringing together approximately 30 participants, including representatives from key CSOs. This workshop delved into the roles of SAIs and CSOs within the PFM cycle, explored international best practices, and identified critical areas for collaboration to foster better governance and transparency.
These sessions were instrumental in aligning the objectives of all stakeholders and setting a clear path forward for the successful implementation of the CADRE Project, and the discussion led to the identification of critical activities and strategies essential for the project going forward.
This event marked a significant step in building stronger partnerships for better governance in Zambia, especially with stakeholders on the ground.
We are delighted to announce the commencement of the CADRE Project: Collaboration, Action, and Dialogue to Strengthen the Engagement of SAIs and CSOs in Improving Public Financial Management.
The Collaboration, Action, and Dialogue to Strengthen the Engagement of SAIs and CSOs in Improving Public Financial Management (CADRE) Project was launched in June 2024. As the first activity, we conducted a comprehensive stocktaking to assess the needs, knowledge, and skills in Public Financial Management. Our interactions with the Office of the Auditor General-Zambia (OAG) and Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) were insightful and productive.
Additionally, we had valuable discussions with the team from the Embassy of France in Lusaka, exploring further project dimensions. This Project is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs- France.
The conversations will continue this week as we identify effective collaborative activities between the OAG and TI-Zambia. Stay tuned for more updates on our progress!
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