National auditing institutions are widely recognized as a cornerstone of effective governance and public administration worldwide. Beyond their core mandate of identifying waste, inefficiencies, and a lack of probity, these institutions play a critical role in strengthening accountability, improving public-sector performance, and safeguarding the sound use of public resources. Through their audits and recommendations, they help government entities operate more efficiently, improve management systems, and enhance internal controls. In doing so, auditing institutions also promote transparency and integrity, deter corruption and irregularities, and reinforce public trust in state institutions. Numerous empirical studies and case-based analyses further demonstrate that strong auditing systems contribute to poverty reduction, encourage investment, and support inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development.
In Eritrea, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) serves as the supreme public auditing institution. In accordance with Legal Notice No. 14/1993, Article 2/25, the OAG is mandated to audit government offices, national departments, state-owned enterprises, and other public institutions, and to prepare comprehensive audit reports regularly. Although the OAG was formally established following Eritrea’s independence – initially through Proclamation No. 23/1992 in May 1992, later repealed and replaced by Proclamation No. 37/1993 – auditing as a practice in Eritrea has a much longer historical trajectory.
Indeed, formal auditing activities in Eritrea date back to the period of Italian colonial rule. During that era, an auditing body known as the Controllere Generale dei Conti was established to oversee accounts and state property in Eritrea, which Italy regarded as its colonia primogenita (firstborn colony). Under the subsequent British Military Administration, the institution was renamed the Office of the Auditor General, with responsibility for auditing and supervising public assets, revenues, and expenditures. During the brief federation with Ethiopia, the auditing office reported to the Eritrean parliament. However, following Eritrea’s unlawful annexation by Ethiopia, it was absorbed into Ethiopia’s national auditing framework and tasked with auditing government accounts not only in Eritrea but also in several northern Ethiopian provinces. Following Eritrea’s liberation, a new, independent Office of the Auditor General was reestablished, reflecting the country’s renewed sovereignty and commitment to accountable governance.
Both institutional capacity and individual expertise have steadily expanded, and the quality and scope of auditing services have improved over the past decades. Indeed, international experts who have engaged with and supported the OAG have remarked positively on the professionalism of its staff, noting that Eritrean auditors are “highly competent, motivated, and dedicated.” And as it may be recalled, the Office of the Auditor General had, among other stellar achievements, received two Awards of Excellence from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants International (ACCA) in 2007; and the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions in 2014, respectively.
A key driver of this progress has been the OAG’s sustained emphasis on capacity building and continuous professional development. This approach aligns closely with Eritrea’s broader national commitment to strengthening human capital. Human capital, encompassing the knowledge, skills, competencies, abilities, and health that individuals accumulate over their lifetimes, is widely recognized as a fundamental pillar of national development. Eritrean officials have repeatedly emphasized that expanding and upgrading human capital remains a central government priority, particularly within strategic public institutions.
Within this framework, the OAG has, over the years, collaborated with various partners, including the Eritrean Center for Organizational Excellence and AFROSAI-E, to organize numerous local and regional training workshops. These initiatives have focused on enhancing technical auditing skills, strengthening management and leadership capacities, and familiarizing staff with evolving international standards and best practices. In addition, many OAG employees – both auditors and support staff – have received institutional support to enroll in professional certification programs, specialized skills-development courses, and overseas training opportunities. Importantly, all training workshops and development opportunities are provided free of charge, ensuring equal access and reinforcing the principles of fairness and inclusivity.
The importance of continuous skills upgrading and lifelong learning cannot be overstated. A vast body of global research shows that employees across sectors, age groups, and experience levels consistently value opportunities for professional development. Most individuals aspire to enhance their competencies and perform their duties more effectively. Providing structured training and learning opportunities, therefore, responds not only to institutional needs but also to employees’ intrinsic motivations.
Moreover, ongoing training and skills enhancement contribute directly to higher morale, stronger motivation, and greater employee engagement. They are frequently associated with reduced absenteeism and improved efficiency and productivity. In an era marked by rapid change, including digitalization, automation, climate-related challenges, and fast-paced technological advancement, continuous learning is essential for building a workforce that is adaptable, agile, and capable of responding effectively to emerging demands and risks.
Beyond operational benefits, training and professional development also foster creativity and innovation. Exposure to new ideas, tools, and approaches through workshops and courses enables employees to rethink established practices and identify more effective ways of working. These insights can be applied to current responsibilities or future leadership roles, strengthening institutional resilience and forward-looking capacity.
Overall, the evolution of Eritrea’s OAG illustrates the critical link between strong institutions and sustained investment in human capital. The OAG’s continued and significant progress is closely tied to its commitment to training, workshops, and skills upgrading. By prioritizing continuous learning and professional development, the OAG not only enhances the competence and motivation of its workforce but also reinforces its broader mandate to promote accountability, integrity, and effective public resource management. In a rapidly changing global environment, such investments are not optional; they are essential to ensuring that the institution remains relevant, responsive, and capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
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