By Michaella Faith Wright
In a landmark event marking the opening of the AFROSAI-E workshop, stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and industry experts gathered to embark on a collaborative journey aimed at unlocking the transformative potential of Africa’s mining sector. The workshop, scheduled to span four days, commenced with a fervent focus on fostering accountability and driving sustainable development within the industry.
Amidst an atmosphere charged with anticipation, Aiah Gbondo-Tugbawa, Deputy Auditor General of Audit Sierra Leone, took to the podium to extend heartfelt gratitude to fellow African organizations in English-speaking countries and his dedicated team at Audit Sierra Leone. Representing the acting Auditor General, who was engaged in other pressing matters in Bo, the second capital of Freetown, Gbondo-Tugbawa set the stage for what promised to be a dynamic and fruitful discourse on the critical role of the mining sector in Africa’s economic landscape.
Drawing upon compelling statistics from a 2015 report by the Africa Development Bank, Gbondo-Tugbawa underscored the undeniable significance of the mining sector, which accounts for a staggering 70% of Africa’s exports and up to 30% of total revenue for major oil and gas companies. He emphasized the urgent need to make the sector more attractive to investors, positioning it as a linchpin for driving sustainable development across the continent.
As the program unfolded, Esther Thomas, a facilitator from AFROSAI-E, seized the opportunity to share invaluable insights gleaned from the organization’s tireless efforts to enhance accountability and oversight within the mining sector. Thomas echoed Gbondo-Tugbawa’s sentiments, highlighting the pivotal role of robust governance mechanisms in ensuring the responsible and transparent management of Africa’s natural resources.
Thomas delved into the myriad challenges confronting auditors and oversight bodies in navigating regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and community engagement within the mining sector. She stressed the imperative of forging collaborative partnerships between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society to address these challenges effectively and drive meaningful change.
Amidst the backdrop of today’s opening, participants exhibited a palpable sense of enthusiasm and determination as they embarked on a collective quest to develop actionable strategies that would propel Africa’s mining sector toward a future marked by sustainable growth and equitable development. As the workshop unfolds over the coming days, AFROSAI-E remains steadfast in its commitment to harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of stakeholders and CSOs to unlock the full potential of Africa’s natural resources for the benefit of its people and future generations.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
