From 2 to 6 June 2025, staff from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) across 14 countries in the European Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (EUROSAI), along with two participants from the African Organisation of English-Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E), came together to strengthen their knowledge and skills in applying the SAI Performance Measurement Framework (SAI PMF). The occasion was an advanced SAI PMF training workshop hosted by the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI)— the third of its kind globally, following successful sessions in the ARABOSAI and ASOSAI regions.
At its core, the SAI PMF is a powerful tool. It enables SAIs to assess their strengths and weaknesses in a structured, evidence-based manner. By identifying areas of excellence and those in need of improvement, the framework offers a roadmap for meaningful institutional reform. But its impact extends beyond the walls of audit offices to support a more transparent use of public resources and ensure alignment with national priorities.
The Istanbul workshop was designed to create a ripple effect. As more SAI staff develop expertise in using the framework, they become local champions who can guide their institutions and peers towards positive change. They also contribute to a growing global network of independent reviewers, professionals who can provide impartial quality assurance when SAIs conduct self-assessments using the SAI PMF.
Training, Learning, and Knowledge-Sharing
Throughout the week, participants shared experiences from their home countries, offering real-world context and inspiration. Some had recently completed SAI PMF assessments, while others were gearing up to start. This mix of experience levels added depth to the discussions and fostered mutual learning.
Over the five-day workshop, IDI’s manager and SAI PMF specialist Brighton Nyanga led participants through the full life cycle of a SAI PMF assessment—from planning and scoring to analysis, reporting, and publishing or sharing results. The training balanced theory with hands-on exercises and included sessions on newer developments such as repeat assessments, quality management, and how SAIs can use the framework for performance monitoring.
The discussion also spotlighted the ongoing revision of the SAI PMF itself, due to be adopted at the next INTOSAI Congress in September 2025. For many SAIs, these changes will make the framework even more relevant to the current governance challenges and reflect lessons learnt since its launch in December 2016.
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Strengthening the Framework Requires Broader Regional Engagement
The Istanbul training formed part of IDI’s wider efforts to promote more consistent and effective uptake of the SAI PMF at the regional level. This initiative is central to IDI’s global implementation strategy for 2023–2028, which emphasises sustainable, long-term use of the framework across all INTOSAI regions. By building the technical capacity of SAI staff through targeted training, IDI aims to foster a deeper understanding of the framework and enable SAIs to lead their own assessments with confidence.
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This regionally driven approach helps strengthen peer-to-peer support networks, where experienced practitioners can guide and mentor others in applying the framework. Such collaboration not only reinforces learning but also contributes to a growing community of practice around SAI PMF implementation.
Looking ahead, IDI intends to roll out similar workshops in the remaining INTOSAI regions, ensuring that no region is left behind in the global effort to develop stronger, more independent, credible, and sustainable Supreme Audit Institutions.
A Foundation for Enhanced Transparency and Accountability
When SAIs are equipped to assess their performance with confidence and credibility, they are better positioned to audit public funds, identify inefficiencies, and recommend meaningful improvements. This, in turn, enhances the transparency and accountability of public institutions and helps ensure that resources are used in ways that serve citizens and uphold national priorities.
By empowering SAIs to better understand and improve themselves, the SAI PMF contributes to broader transformation across the public sector. The Istanbul workshop marked an important milestone in that ongoing journey; one that has the potential to form stronger audit practices, more impactful oversight, and ultimately, more accountable governance.
As the latest training in a global series led by IDI, the workshop not only deepened technical knowledge but also helped build a network of committed professionals in EUROSAI ready to support peer learning and institutional reform.
To learn more about this initiative, check out our SAI PMF page.