The first online multilateral experience-sharing seminar between the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of the states of Africa dealing with “SAIs’ Role in Countering Corruption” was held on March 20, 2023.

Representatives of the SAIs of Algeria, Morocco and Senegal took part in the event.

The seminar was organized in preparation for the Russia – Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum that will take place in St. Petersburg on July 26-29. In the framework of the Forum, the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation plans to hold a knowledge sharing round table hosting 4 sections: “Good Governance and Countering Corruption”, “Sustainable Development Audit: Challenges and Opportunities”, “Capacity Building of the Supreme and Regional Audit Institutions”, and “Education and Tourism”.

Russian and African participants discussed the SAIs’ efforts to combat corruption in public administration and to prevent corruption offences within the SAIs.

During his welcoming remarks, Mr. Timur Makhmutov, Director of the Department for International and Regional Cooperation of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, noted that the Accounts Chamber devotes special attention to developing ties with the SAIs of African countries and to studying their external audit practices.

Ms. Svetlana Orlova, Auditor, Member of the Board of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, stressed that Russia and African countries share a lot of interests in international security, trade and humanitarian cooperation.

Her speech focused on the Accounts Chamber’s efforts to improve its anti-corruption competencies taking into account best international practices and to increase the level of openness and transparency. Ms. Orlova also mentioned the special contribution that digital technologies make to the fight against corruption. The speaker noted that last year an automated system for analysis of agencies’ anti-corruption plans was created based on artificial intelligence technologies.

Svetlana Orlova invited the seminar participants to take part in the Accounts Chamber’s events in the framework of the Russia – Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

Mr. Ahmed Saadi, Magistrate, First Advisor of the Court of Accounts of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, delivered a presentation covering the system of anti-corruption measures as well as the implementation of digital tools in public administration in Algeria. In addition, Mr. Saadi emphasized that the independence of SAI Algeria was strengthened in accordance with the 2020 Constitution. The speaker underlined particular importance of interagency cooperation in countering corruption.

Mr. Nabil Larhmam, Director of Cooperation and External Relations of the Court of Accounts of the Kingdom of Morocco, dedicated his speech to the SAI’s contribution to the efficiency of public administration. The speaker noted the possibility of imposing sanctions on public accountants and managers for breaches of rules governing financial operations, and referring to criminal judge if the Court of Accounts finds facts that justify a criminal sanction, including corruption. Mr. Larhmam also paid attention to the new SAI’s policy on cooperation with civil society.

Mr. Alhassane Thierno Baro, the Head of the Financial Discipline Chamber of the Court of Auditors of the Republic of Senegal, highlighted the special role of the SAI in implementing the anti-corruption policy. Mr. Baro stressed that publication of audit reports and monitoring of implementation of the SAI’s recommendations foster accountability of the public sector and make an important contribution to preventing corruption.

Mr. Nikolay Kruchek, Head of Division for the Prevention of Corruption and Other Offences of the Department of Human Capital Development, and Igor Sklyarov, Head of Inspection for the Procedural Activity in the Sphere of Legislation on Administrative Offenses, Cooperation with State Bodies of the Legal Department, made comments during the discussion.

Seminar participants agreed to continue sharing experience on anti-corruption and other issues of mutual interest.