Strong internal audit systems are critical to improving accountability, managing institutional risks and maintaining stakeholder confidence as organisations face rapid technological and operational changes, NMB Bank has said.
NMB Chief Internal Auditor Benedicto Baragomwa said internal auditors have an increasingly important role in helping institutions identify risks early, strengthen controls and provide reliable information for decision-making.
He was speaking during the 13th Governance Conference and 19th Annual Internal Auditors Conference held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) from September 21 to 25, 2026.
The conferences were organised by the Institute of Internal Auditors Tanzania (IIA Tanzania) and brought together professionals to discuss governance, risk management, innovation and the evolving role of internal audit.
Mr Baragomwa said internal audit should go beyond checking compliance to provide insights that help institutions address weaknesses and improve performance.
The emphasis comes as institutions increasingly deal with technology-related risks and changing operating environments, making effective internal controls important in protecting resources and strengthening accountability.
Zanzibar Minister of State in the President's Office, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, commended NMB for supporting the conferences, saying its participation contributed to efforts to strengthen good governance.
Acting Internal Auditor General, Eng Kenneth Nindie, said the Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Internal Auditor General, recognised internal auditors' contribution to improving institutional performance and governance.
NMB's involvement also included technical presentations by senior executives.
NMB Director of Investor Relations, Sustainability and Communications Innocent Yonazi presented on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, while NMB Director of Board and Chief Financial Officer Juma Kimori presented a paper titled “Trust: The Currency of Internal Audit.”
The discussions focused on strengthening the ability of internal audit functions to provide assurance, identify emerging risks and support institutions in building systems that can withstand changing business and technological conditions.