On May 9th, 2023, the Auditor General Office of Somalia (OAGS) signed a new Cooperation Agreement with the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions English-speaking (AFROSAI-E) and the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI). The signing took place during the AFROSAI-E Strategic Review and 19th Governing Board Meeting held in Accra, Ghana.
The new phase of the OAGS Peer-support Project aims to enable the OAGS to achieve key strategic outputs for 2023 and 2024. These outputs include delivering annual financial and compliance audits, forensic audits, and sharing audit results with key stakeholders. The successful delivery of these strategic outputs is expected to enable the achievement of the OAGS's strategic outcomes, especially the Parliament playing an active role in follow-up of audit recommendations and improved implementation of audits by the executive. The Royal Norwegian Embassy has provided funding to IDI to cover the costs of the project for this period.
In his remarks at the signing ceremony, the Auditor General of Somalia, H.E Ahmed Isse Gutale expressed his appreciation for the support provided by AFROSAI-E and IDI, which has led to tangible results in all areas under the previous Strategic Plans 2017-2020 and 2021-2022. He emphasised that the new Strategic Plan 2023-2027 is both ambitious and reflective of the progress that the OAGS has achieved over the years, stating "Now more than ever, we need your valuable, continued support." The OAGS Peer-support Project is seen as an essential tool to successfully implement the OAGS's strategic goals for the next five years.
AFROSAI-E and IDI assured SAI Somalia of their support to enable OAGS to deliver on the strategic plan. Meisie Nkau, Chief Executive Officer, AFROSAI-E CEO, confirmed that, "From our side, we will help you in delivering your strategic plan and monitor progress. We look forward to assisting your office with greater audit coverage and impact."
IDI also expressed its commitment to the cooperation agreement. "We are committed to this cooperation agreement and look forward to working with OAGS."
The signing of the cooperation agreement marks the next chapter of collaboration between OAG Somalia, AFROSAI-E, and IDI to strengthen the OAGS's role in promoting and ensuring good governance in Somalia and providing value and benefit to Somalia citizens. This partnership is expected to have a positive impact on the OAGS' ability to carry out its mandate and contribute to building a more transparent and accountable government in Somalia.
For further information about the project, see the IDI SAI Somalia webpage.