SADC committees speak on fiscal transparency
LINEO MALATALIANA
MASERU – The Southern African Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) held the 20th Election Annual General Meeting and 16th Conference in Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe on September 2024.
The conference was focused on enhancing fiscal transparency and leveraging technology, and strengthening the role of Public Accounts (PACs) in overseeing public resources.
The central address delivered by Zimbabwe Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda called on member states to fortify their fiscal responsibility frame works and ensure that public borrowing “is transparent and aligned with national development goals.”
Mudenda also nailed in the need to strengthen oversight in government debt management. Lesotho sent in a delegation of ‘Machabane Lempane-Letsie, ‘Makatleho Motsoasele, Mootsi Lehata and Kali Vitalis Monese reflecting the country’s active involvement in regional governance discussions. The theme of the conference was “Strengthening Oversight and Accountability in the SADC Region.”
This conference provided a platform for member states to share experiences, propose resolutions, and elect new office bearers, reflecting a collective commitment to promoting good governance and accountability across the region.
“Addressing critical issues related to domestic resource mobilization, fiscal transparency and the integration of technology in public finance management are the main objectives of the conference. Member states showcased proposals aimed at governance and accountability,” the SADCOPAC conference report reads.
The agenda of the conference was structured around six pillars in which member states gave presentations and resolutions.
The pointers were Promoting Sustainable Development through Domestic Resource Mobilisation presented by Zambia and Namibia. The presentation focused on enhancing self-reliance through improved tax systems, business growth, economic diversification, and better governance.
Zambia and Namibia highlighted the need to curb illicit financial flows, broaden the tax base, and increase transparency in public procurement. Lesotho and Ghana presented on Ensuring Accountability through Fiscal Transparency in which the role of the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) centred in promoting fiscal transparency.
Discussions focused on timely reviews of Auditor General reports, stronger enforcement of fiscal laws, and the need for comprehensive asset management frameworks.
The Implementation of Artificial Intelligence – AI on Public Finance Management in the Public Sector was showcased by Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana as well as South Africa. The main discussion was on how AI can enhance public finance management by automating processes, improving resource allocation, and detecting fraud. However, challenges such as data privacy, regulatory compliance, and technical issues were raised.
The success of Integrated Financial Management Information System Implementation in the Region was presented by Zambia and Malawi which featured the role of IFMIS in enhancing public financial management by improving transparency and ensuring fiscal discipline with key issues including the strengthening of oversight, corruption reduction, and the promoting of capacity building for PACs.
The Role of Public Sector Accountant and Auditors in Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in the use of Public Resources and Implementing (IPSAS) in SADC countries was discussed and presented by Tanzania and eSwatini. The two countries steered the discussion on the critical role of public sector accountants and auditors in maintaining transparency and accountability in managing public resources with discussions focused on fraud prevention, proper asset management, and the challenges of “overregulation in procurement processes.”
And finally the Implementing (IPSAS) in SADC countries presented by Auditor general South Africa. Highlighted on the adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, emphasizing the need for improved financial accountability and transparency.
As part of the conference the elections also took place for SADCOPAC Office Bearers. The newly elected offices saw Zambia taking the Chairmanship deputised by South Africa.
The Secretary General’s position went to eSwatini while Lesotho took up the Vice Secretary General position. The treasure general comes from Malawi and is deputised from the Seychelles.
“In a forward-looking announcement, it was confirmed that the National Assembly of Lesotho will host the 17th SADCOPAC Annual Conference and 21st Annual General Meeting in September 2025, reaffirming its commitment to promoting good governance and fiscal responsibility in the region,” the report reads.
