Internal Audit central to development, says Treasury chief

The Minister of State for National Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Godfrey Kabera, has said that internal auditing is a critical function essential to achieving transparency, performance, and sustainable development in Africa. Speaking at the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (AFIIA) summit in Kigali, Kabera maintained that internal auditors are critical to public financial management and national governance. ALSO READ: Internal Audit in Rwanda gaining ground, says Continental body chair Kabera argued that internal audit is at the heart of Rwanda’s national governance model, adding that the profession is seen as a cornerstone of public financial management. “Through internal audit, we ensure that every Rwandan franc spent delivers a return in terms of service delivery, development outcomes, and improved livelihoods,” he said, stressing that internal audit enables institutions to detect inefficiencies, prevent mismanagement, and ensure effective use of resources. ALSO READ: Calls grow for Africa's internal auditors to adopt AI, emerging technologies Kabera maintained that Rwanda will continue investing in institutional capacity, promoting professional certification, and strengthening internal control systems. However, he noted, audit functions must align with national development strategies. “An auditor who understands the development agenda can help shape it, not just monitor it,” he reiterated. The 11th African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (AFIIA) brought together internal audit professionals, executives, and policymakers from across Africa. Held under the theme “Building Bridges, Inspiring Change,” the summit also coincides with International Internal Audit Awareness Month, marked globally in May. The summit featured discussions around governance, accountability, service delivery, and poverty reduction. Kabera issued a rallying call to governments across Africa to embed support for internal auditing in national systems and also urged auditors to adopt ethical practices, independence, data-driven methods, and risk-based approaches. “To all internal auditors gathered here: Africa needs you more than ever,” he added, “You are enablers of change.” He appealed to leaders in public and private sectors to empower audit teams with the space, tools, and recognition needed to add value.

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Internal Audit central to development, says Treasury chief