Cooperation with the Office of the Auditor General in Zimbabwe
The Swedish National Audit Office has had a partnership with the Supreme Audit Institution of Zimbabwe since 2017. The partnership concentrates on initiatives in auditing, leadership, HR, IT and communication.
Focus areas
The partnership focuses on methodological aspects of the audit activities, developing effective internal and external communication as well as the authority’s ability to recruit suitably skilled employees. We also address strategic and operational management issues.
Good quality audit findings and clearer reports
The Office of the Auditor General of Zimbabwe has a good reputation and capabilities in most audit areas. However, the authority needs to develop the part of its operations related to auditing the impact of policy initiatives and reforms, which is what we are working on together with their audit team. This involves:
- finding a process − from audit idea and beginning of an audit to a finished report − in which the audit findings will be used to make improvements;
- mentors from the Swedish National Audit Office providing support as needed during the audit team’s progress;
- providing support to our partner concerning the appearance and content of the reports with clear and straightforward language that is understood by a wider audience.
Ability to lead the organisation and teams
We help managers to develop their leadership skills so that they, in turn, can support their departments and teams. This means that they are now working to enable a more inclusive approach in which the organisation better harnesses the skills of its employees. The partnership has also led to the development of training material and a policy for managers.
Strengthened internal communication
The partnership focuses on developing more effective internal communication through greater transparency and collaboration. This includes:
- developing an intranet
- improving presentation and meeting skills
- skills enhancement activities at the communication function at the authority.
The right skills in the organisation
Staff turnover at the Office of the Auditor General in Zimbabwe is high. We are supporting HR within the organisation with modernising recruitment processes and skills development planning.
Stable technical infrastructure and IT environment
Today, every organisation needs a robust technical infrastructure and everyday IT skills, which is why we support our partner through:
- IT solutions tailored to the reality of their working environment
- IT security
- support to the World Bank, enabling our partner to procure computers, servers, printers and other essential IT equipment.
Outcomes
Our cooperation has contributed to results such as:
- The work processes in auditing have been improved, which has led to faster implementation and better quality of reports.
- The auditors have improved their analytical and methodological capabilities and their writing skills.
- The authority’s governance and leadership skills have been developed through the management’s access to new methods and leadership tools.
- The HR function and managers’ ability to recruit competent staff has improved through the establishment of clearer processes and responsibilities.
- Communication between managers and employees has improved, which has led to a better working environment and greater motivation. Activities included an all-staff day that created a sense of belonging and pride in the organisation.
- The authority has also developed the content and visual aspects of its external web and intranet.
- IT infrastructure has been improved and technical equipment upgraded. The authority has adopted a stronger focus on IT security and expertise within the IT function has improved significantly.
- Those affected by the audits have shown a greater interest in the supreme audit institution’s activities and are now asking for more audits – which is a challenge, but a positive development. It has increased Parliament’s understanding of the need for auditing.
- The authority continues to enjoy a good reputation and the audits presented also receive attention – locally and abroad – among media and organisations such as Transparency International.
Circumstances and challenges
According to independent international organisations, the Office of the Auditor General of Zimbabwe is carrying out good audit work. Despite having a number of shortcomings, the authority delivers results.
The Office of the Auditor General of Zimbabwe faces major challenges, such as:
- The authority suffers from a lack of financial resources and a short-term outlook, making it difficult to fully meet all international requirements for sound auditing and long-term development.
- The authority has expanded its capacity for recruitment and has also been granted new positions in HR, IT and communication. However, retaining competent employees remains a problem.
- While the authority does not meet the requirements for an independent audit institution (a condition they share with many supreme audit institutions), a board now handles direct issues concerning the authority, which is a step in the right direction.
- Multiple interim managers over a long period – even at the most senior level – creates uncertainty in the organisation. The authority’s premises are very shabby and in great need of being adapted and renovated to accommodate the number of employees and a digital approach.
- Like many other supreme audit institutions in developing countries, the Office of the Auditor General of Zimbabwe finds it difficult to audit all parts of the public domain. They do not have the same independence in their choice of audit as Sweden’s supreme audit institution, for example.