Five Ivorian ministries are set to establish internal audit and control mechanisms following a two-week seminar in Abidjan.
The training, which took place from December 2 to 13, 2024, aimed to strengthen risk management and accountability within public administration.
The seminar was organized by the Inspector General of State and focused on developing risk mapping, mitigation strategies, and internal audit plans.
Participants included officials from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Youth and Professional Integration, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation, and the Ministry of Sports and Living Environment.
This initiative forms part of the Governance Improvement Project for Basic Service Delivery (PAGDS), funded jointly by the World Bank and the Ivorian government.
Building a Culture of Risk Management
Souleymane Serey, an expert accountant and consultant involved in the project, underscored the importance of embedding internal audits in public administration.
“A risk is an uncertain event that can hinder or impact the achievement of expected objectives. Identifying and assessing these risks is crucial to increasing the likelihood of meeting program goals,” he explained.
The project also aligns with public financial reform efforts, incorporating directives from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).
The Inspector General of State, along with ministerial inspectors and other stakeholders, will oversee the implementation process.
A Step Towards Accountability and Performance
Moussa Doumbia, a state inspector, hailed the seminar as a valuable opportunity for knowledge-sharing and capacity building.
“This has been a platform to deepen understanding and exchange experiences,” he said, urging participants to adopt the risk mapping tool as part of their operational frameworks.
Doumbia emphasized that risk-based auditing enhances project performance by identifying potential threats and implementing strategic solutions.
Following the theoretical training, a practical phase will be conducted within the ministries to ensure the effective application of risk mapping and audit planning.
This effort marks a significant step toward improving governance and accountability across Ivory Coast’s public sector.
