The government has begun drafting a dedicated law for internal auditing, in a move expected to strengthen oversight of public resources and clarify the powers and responsibilities of auditors, management and audit committees.
The proposed legislation will establish a clearer legal and institutional framework for internal auditing, Finance Deputy Minister Laurent Deogratius Luswetula said on Monday.
He was delivering a speech on behalf of Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar at the 19th Annual Internal Audit Conference and 13th Corporate Governance Forum organised by the Institute of Internal Auditors-Tanzania at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).
“A specific Internal Audit Act will help clarify the roles, authority, operational boundaries and working relationships between internal audit, management and audit committees,” Mr Luswetula said.
The proposed law comes as the government seeks to strengthen internal controls and improve accountability in institutions responsible for managing public funds.
Mr Luswetula said the ministry was also reviewing the Internal Audit Scheme of Service to allow professionals from fields beyond accounting and finance to participate in internal audit work.
The review could open opportunities for professionals such as engineers and doctors to contribute their technical expertise to audits, particularly in sectors where risks cannot be adequately assessed through financial expertise alone.
“The changing nature of risks in different sectors requires a broader range of expertise in internal auditing,” he said.
The minister said strengthening internal audit required joint efforts between the Ministry of Finance, heads of institutions and accounting officers.
He urged institutional leaders to invest in the capacity of internal auditors and audit committees, saying stronger oversight would improve the management of institutional resources and support the achievement of organisational goals.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, Zanzibar Minister of State in the President’s Office, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, said internal auditors had a key role in ensuring public resources were used efficiently and delivered value to citizens.
“Internal auditors should continue helping institutions ensure that resources are used efficiently, productively and with value for money,” she said.
She said efficient use of resources would strengthen the government’s ability to improve essential services, including healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
Dr Mkuya said the government would continue strengthening good governance and public financial management while supporting efforts to increase accountability in both the public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, Acting Government Chief Internal Auditor at the Ministry of Finance, Engineer Kenneth Nindie, urged heads of public institutions to ensure internal auditors were actively involved in institutional oversight.
“I urge heads of institutions to ensure that our internal auditors are properly utilised, but also empowered to use internal audit systems,” Engineer Nindie said.
The three-day meeting brought together internal audit professionals, government officials, board members, managers, regulators, private-sector representatives and professional institutions to discuss governance, accountability, risk management, integrity and institutional efficiency.
The conference was held under the theme “Beyond Assurance: Driving Insight, Innovation and Trust.”