Government tightens internal audit standards to boost accountability

Government has intensified efforts to strengthen internal audit systems across the Public Service, with about 350 internal auditors set to undergo standardised training and certification aimed at improving accountability and ensuring value for money in the use of public resources.

Speaking during the opening of a five-day Internal Audit Training Programme at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) in Lusaka on Wednesday, Controller of Internal Audit, Jamie Mukuwa, said weak internal controls ultimately affected citizens through poor service delivery, wasted resources and projects that failed to achieve their intended objectives.

Mukuwa said internal auditors must move beyond producing technical reports and become trusted advisers capable of identifying risks that threaten service delivery, communicating findings effectively and ensuring corrective measures were implemented.

“Strong internal audit functions were critical to supporting the Grow Zambia Agenda, as effective oversight and disciplined use of resources would help Government translate policies and budget allocations into measurable results for citizens,” she said.

Mukuwa said public service internal auditors would undergo standardised training and certification through NIPA in line with Public Service Management Division Circular No. B4 of 2026.

She said the first cohort comprised about 50 officers, while approximately 350 auditors were expected to benefit from the programme.

Public Service Management Division Permanent Secretary, Lois Mulube, said the initiative operationalised the Public Service Competence Development and Certification Strategy launched in June this year.

Mulube said continuous professional development was essential, particularly for internal auditors responsible for safeguarding public resources, institutional controls and accountability.

Meanwhile, Institute of Internal Auditors Zambia president, Lubinda Namiluko, urged public institutions to strengthen compliance with Global Internal Audit Standards, including protecting audit independence, providing adequate resources and improving oversight.

Namiluko also called for greater attention to emerging risks such as cybersecurity as Government increasingly digitised public services, payments and records.

He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting training and professional development to strengthen governance and improve public sector performance.

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