The National Audit Office (NAO) of Malawi has underscored the vital role of citizen engagement in the auditing process as a means to enhance public service delivery. This initiative aligns with Malawi’s Vision 2063, the regional Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Chief Auditor Rabson Kagwam’minga highlighted this approach during an engagement session with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Dowa District. He stressed that by involving citizens, NAO hopes to improve transparency, foster fiscal discipline, and encourage a stronger sense of accountability in the public sector. Kagwam’minga emphasized that civic engagement is crucial for strengthening governance structures and ensuring that public funds are used responsibly to benefit communities.
“Our goal is to ensure citizens play an active role in the audit process, which will encourage fiscal transparency and promote an accountable public sector,” Kagwam’minga stated. He further noted that citizen involvement will help identify service delivery gaps and inspire greater responsiveness from government bodies.
Maxwell Kadutsa, chairperson of the Dowa District CSOs, commended the NAO’s citizen-centered approach. “This initiative marks a significant step toward achieving our national development goals and ensuring that the government remains accountable to its people,” he said.
The NAO’s initiative, supported by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), represents a progressive model of participatory governance. Through this program, citizens are expected to gain more awareness of audit processes, thus fostering transparency and accountability that contribute to Malawi’s long-term development ambitions.
