Between 6 and 8 October 2026, CABRI, represented by Winnie Mageto, Programme Manager and lead on our work on digital public financial management (PFM), participated in the AFROSAI-E Technical Conference on Strategic Intelligence for Stronger Governance in Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference brought together Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), ministries of Finance, development partners, academic Institutions and governance practitioners from across Africa to reflect on how strategic intelligence can strengthen accountability, improve decision-making, and enhance governance outcomes.
A central theme of the discussions was the recognition that governments and oversight institutions already possess a wealth of data, information, audit findings, financial records, and performance reports. The challenge is often not the production of more documents, reports, or data, but rather how institutions collaborate to effectively use the information that already exists to inform action, improve decision-making, and drive meaningful reforms.
Participants highlighted the importance of breaking down institutional silos and strengthening collaboration across the accountability ecosystem. By connecting insights generated by digital PFM systems, audit reports, performance assessments, and other sources of evidence, public institutions can move from simply generating information to using it strategically to address risks, improve service delivery, and achieve better outcomes for citizens.
The conference also emphasised that government resources are increasingly scarce, making it essential for ministries of Finance and other public institutions to ensure that every public resource is used efficiently, effectively, and transparently. Existing digital PFM systems provide significant opportunities to strengthen expenditure management, improve transparency, and enhance accountability throughout the budget cycle.
The role of SAIs featured prominently in the discussions. As independent oversight bodies, SAIs provide assurance on whether public resources are being managed economically, efficiently, and effectively. Their work generates valuable insights that can help governments anticipate emerging risks, identify areas for improvement, and support evidence-based policymaking. When audit intelligence is combined with financial and performance data, institutions are better positioned to exercise effective oversight and make informed decisions.
The conference reinforced the importance of leveraging insight, foresight, and oversight to strengthen governance across Africa. Participants agreed that the future of public sector accountability lies not only in collecting more information but in fostering greater collaboration, connecting existing sources of evidence, and translating knowledge into action that delivers tangible results for citizens.