AFROSAI-E Capacitates Audit Service on Extractive Industries

The staff of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) benefitted from a four-day training on the audit of extractive industries. The training was organised by the African Organisation of English-Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E) at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown from 4th – 7th March, 2024.

The training also attracted representatives from civil society organisations, line ministries, departments and agencies in the Extractive Industries. AFROSAI-E organised the training to build the capacity of the ASSL auditors on the best practices used to audit the extractive industries in Sierra Leone. The CSOs and MDAs dealing with the extractive industries were invited to benefit from the training and also share experiences on the extractive industries in Sierra Leone.

During the opening session, the Deputy Auditor General, Aiah Gbondo-Tugbawa who represented the Acting Auditor General, described the extractive industry as encompassing non-renewable resource extraction, including operations that extract oil, gas, minerals, and aggregate from the sea. He stated that increased attention on auditing extractive industries is crucial for Supreme Audit Institutions, like the Audit Service Sierra Leone, playing an essential role in ensuring transparent oversight of the extractive industry, thereby safeguarding the government’s management of natural resources in the interest of the public.

 He stated that the extraction of these resources holds the potential for economic growth in the country, pointing out that the ASSL as the Supreme Audit Institution has been actively engaged in research and audits related to the extractive industry to ensure the equitable distribution of benefits from natural resources.

Esther Thomas, Team Lead of AFROSAI-E emphasised the need for technical assistance AFROSAI-E has been providing to auditors in the various AFROSAI-E countries, stressing that out of the 26 member countries, 17 possess natural resources, and efforts are directed toward capacity building due to the vast potential these countries hold. She spoke about the need to develop an updated risk register and identify pertinent topics that will lead to impactful audits that benefit the citizens of Sierra Leone.

The workshop provided a platform for auditors to enhance their understanding of the sector and improve their audit techniques. The participants also learnt about international standards and best practices in auditing extractive industries, such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions’ (INTOSAI) guidance on auditing extractive industries.

The workshop featured presentations by experts in the field of extractive industries, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector and it provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of auditing extractive industries and allowed the participants to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

Overall, the workshop was a resounding success, with participants (Auditors) expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in auditing extractive industries.