Story by Tichaona Kurewa
The 16th Southern African Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) Annual Conference ended in Victoria Falls this Thursday with member states being implored to implement resolutions of the committee in their respect.
Recognising the critical role of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) in promoting fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainable development in the region, the SADCOPAC Annual Conference saw members resolving to promote sustainable development through domestic resource mobilisation and other methods.
SADCOPAC chairperson, Honourable Warren Mwambazi said, “PACs should influence the enactment of implementable tax laws that would promote tax collection efficiency through taxpayer education, streamlined procedures, modernised technology, and robust enforcement. PACs should influence the enactment of legislation requiring PACs to review auditor general reports within the fiscal year of the publication of the said reports. PACs should enhance enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with fiscal laws and regulations, comprehensive asset management frameworks including clear consequences for non-compliance.”
A resolution to adopt modern technologies was also made.
“All SADC member states shall develop the framework of regulating the adoption and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), within 1 year from the adoption of the resolution. SADCOPAC should collaborate with SADC to institute a council in the region that will regulate the implementation of AI in the SADC region in line with the SADC Framework on AI within 1 year from the adoption of the resolution,” said Honourable Mwambazi.
The member states also resolved that PACs should be funded to fully execute their mandate and adopt the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
Meanwhile, in a SADCOPAC executive election held this Thursday, Honourable Warren Mwambazi from Zambia retained his position as the Chairperson of the committee for the next three years.
SADCOPAC was officially launched in October 2003 in South Africa.
SADCOPAC is an independent association of PACs from SADC states established to promote mutual support, foster the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences, act as a recognised voice of Public Accounts Committees with the SADC community, and promote accountability, good governance and transparency in the SADC states.
