Namibia – Strengthen the Technical Capacity through Professional Capacity Development (2014-18)

The purpose of this proposal is to increase effectiveness in ensuring accountability in the use of government funds, to strengthen economic growth and poverty reduction. Specifically, in will enhance oversight of public financial management through quality and credible regularity (financial and compliance), performance, IT, forensic and environmental audits, through a more effective professional development and training mechanism. The main challenge faced by SAI Namibia relates to the lack of available professionally qualified staff, and limited affordable options for training in the region. In response, the SAI proposes to establish links with professional accountancy bodies and explore options for establishing local accreditation systems, including the possibility of the SAI becoming an accredited training institute. Further, the SAI will introduce a professional staff development policy, commence mentor training for its audit managers, enroll staff in relevant professional qualifications for regularity auditors, enhance skills of performance auditors, and train staff towards specialist disciplines such as IT and environmental audit. The total cost of the project is USD 1.886 million. SAI Namibia plans to cover 10% of the costs of peer to peer support, as will as an increasing proportion of the financial costs for various student fees (50% in year 1, rising gradually to 70% by year 5).