DODOMA: Tanzania’s supreme audit institution has increased scrutiny of public expenditure by 58 per cent over four years, adopting forensic technology and performance audits to strengthen oversight of state resources and major development projects.
The Office of the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) said audit assignments rose from 1,098 in the 2021 financial year to 1,730 in 2024/25, reflecting expanded monitoring of government institutions and strategic programmes.
Speaking in Dodoma at a meeting of the National Audit Office workers’ council, Controller and Auditor General National Audit Office of Tanzania head Charles Kichere said the institution had fulfilled its constitutional mandate of auditing public accounts without backlog and issuing reports within statutory deadlines.
“Since the establishment of the Workers’ Council in 2023/24, audit coverage has expanded considerably. We have increased the number of entities audited and issued reports on time in accordance with the law,” he said.
Kichere announced the creation of a forensic audit laboratory designed to process digital and documentary evidence of financial misconduct for use in legal proceedings.
“The laboratory analyses system-generated data to detect misuse of public funds and embezzlement,” he said.
A separate materials laboratory has been established to strengthen technical audits of infrastructure projects such as roads and water schemes, ensuring value for money and compliance with construction standards.
The audit office has also introduced an Audit Data Lab System and upgraded digital platforms to improve efficiency and follow-up on audit recommendations.
Deputy Finance Minister Laurent Deogratius Luswetula praised the audit office for timely submission of reports to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, noting that this enhances transparency and accountability in public financial management.
“The reports strengthen accountability and sound management of public resources,” he said, reaffirming government support for improved infrastructure and resources for the audit institution.
Kichere said the office had recently audited major strategic projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, rural electrification schemes, the Standard Gauge Railway, and major water initiatives. Real-time audits of large development programmes and performance reviews of government digital systems have also been expanded.
To reinforce institutional independence, the audit office has constructed buildings and staff residences in Katavi, Songwe and Dodoma regions, with similar projects under way in Ruvuma and Mwanza.
Officials say the adoption of modern technology and broader audit coverage reflects Tanzania’s commitment to stronger financial oversight and improved governance in the management of public resources.
