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.