The office of the Auditor General of Zambia and Norway have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing capacity building and institution development.
Through the MOU which will run for four years, the Norwegian Auditor General’s office is to provide technical co-operation on audit methodology and training of officers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Norway Auditor General Jorgen Kosmo said the office of the Auditor general is cardinal in the fight against corruption.
Mr. Kosmo stressed that it was through the development of strong Auditor General’s offices that best results can be obtained in the management of resources.
“ Publicising reports of the Office does assist in compelling government to improve allocation of more money to priority sectors of the economy,’ he noted.
Mr. Kosmo said part of the Norwegian mission was to participate and take responsibility for the development of the AG offices in the world.
He said the international donor community world wide are organising for support to developing countries.
Zambia and Malawi are two Africa countries with which Norwegian AG office will have bilateral relations and co-operation.
Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia Terje Vigtel said the Zambia AG which has improved performance over the years through publicising the reports to members of the public has now become one of the best offices in Africa.
He noted that the signing of the MOU would enhance performance of the office and contribute to the development of Zambia.
Zambia’s AG Annie Chifungula stated that fight against corruption will only succeed if there is concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
She stated that all stakeholders should take up the initiative to make follow up action after the reports have been released to the public.
Mrs. Chifungula stated that reports for 2007 are likely to be different from previous years due to awareness among controlling officers and other government officers of what they are supposed to do.
She however commended the Norwegian AG office for their continued support to the cause of good governance.
She said the support has come at the time when her office has expanding its operations and hence the need for capacity building.
