Investigative journalism plays a key role in exposing corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiencies in public financial management (PFM). The latest CADRE workshop in Zambia, held from March 18-20, 2025, brought together journalists, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other accountability actors to sharpen their skills and build stronger collaborations for transparency.

This three-day event built on a previous session in February, helping participants improve their investigative storytelling, data journalism, and advocacy strategies. The goal was clear: to strengthen journalists’ ability to hold power to account and engage the public in governance issues.

Sharpening Investigative Journalism Skills

The workshop focused on two main areas: investigative journalism techniques and collaboration with key stakeholders. Many participants had already started their investigations and used this opportunity to refine their findings and discuss challenges.

A key session involved peer and expert feedback on investigative stories. Journalists shared insights from their deep dives into PFM issues in Zambia, uncovering inconsistencies in government reports and tracking irregularities in public spending. These discussions not only strengthened their analytical skills but also fostered a sense of community and support among investigative reporters.

Another important aspect was the use of digital investigative tools. Participants explored:

• Metadata analysis to check document authenticity
• Google Alerts, InVid, and X (formerly Twitter) Advanced Search to track evolving stories
• Facebook Finder and Facebook Filter to verify sources
• Specialty databases like ICIJ Offshore Leaks, the Panama Papers database, and OCCRP project data to detect financial misconduct and corruption

Beyond Investigations: Advocacy and Public Engagement

Uncovering the truth is only the first step—making sure it reaches the right audiences is just as crucial. 

The workshop introduced advocacy strategies, helping participants learn how to:

• Frame investigative stories for greater impact
• Engage key audiences, from policymakers to grassroots groups
• Use digital storytelling to make reports clearer and more compelling

A highlight of the final day was the presentation of refined investigative reports, where journalists showcased their progress since the first workshop. Their findings on PFM mismanagement sparked discussions on how to push these stories forward—whether through media coverage, legal action, or CSO advocacy.

Building Momentum for Accountability

The CADRE workshop reinforced the importance of investigative journalism in good governance. By connecting journalists, CSOs, and accountability institutions, this initiative is driving a movement for better, more holistic transparency in Zambia.

Participants left with sharper skills, stronger networks, and a renewed commitment to holding those in power accountable. Moving forward, their investigations will continue to push for greater public awareness and institutional accountability in managing public funds.

At a time when misinformation spreads easily, initiatives like this workshop are more important than ever. Investigative journalism remains a powerful tool for ensuring public resources serve the people—not private interests. Through collaboration and innovation, the CADRE project continues to promote transparency and accountability to create lasting change.

Last week, legal experts and Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) representatives gathered in Malta for the third Legal Experts’ Meeting under the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) LEG SAI programme. Hosted by the National Audit Office of Malta (NAO), the workshop was a key step in advancing legal capacity within SAIs and reinforcing their independence.

Bringing together legal professionals from the SAIs of Czechia, Lesotho, Malta, Poland, and South Africa, the event focused on addressing key legal risks, best practices, and strategies to strengthen SAIs’ legal frameworks. The discussions highlighted the importance of legal expertise in safeguarding SAI independence, ensuring their ability to conduct audits without external interference and hold governments to account.

Key Outcomes from the Workshop

A major milestone from this meeting was the agreement on the structure and content of a Maturity Model. This tool will allow SAIs to assess their capacity to independently handle legal issues—both in conducting audits and in managing their operations. A more mature SAI will be better equipped to anticipate and respond to independence challenges, ensuring robust and legally sound decision-making that enhances institutional performance.

The group also agreed to develop a repository of good practices, which will serve as a key tool for knowledge-sharing among SAIs' legal advisers, regardless of their specific national contexts. This resource will help legal professionals exchange experiences and strengthen legal functions that support SAI independence and accountability.

Building on the Momentum

A dedicated session for NAO officials provided an opportunity for local and international experts to exchange insights on legal risks, independence principles, and ongoing global challenges affecting SAIs. IDI’s Luis Alonso Robas led an engaging discussion on the evolving legal landscape for SAIs, offering practical strategies to address threats to independence.

Beyond the formal discussions, the event fostered stronger professional networks, with participants engaging in informal exchanges while experiencing Malta’s rich history and hospitality.

IDI extends its gratitude to the National Audit Office Malta for hosting this important event and to all the participating SAIs and experts for their contributions. By continuing to strengthen legal frameworks and share best practices, we reinforce the foundations of independent, accountable, and effective Supreme Audit Institutions worldwide.

IDI and OECD recently hosted a high-level meeting and planning session in Paris to advance the Global Project on SAI Independence. The event, held from 27-29 January, 2025 brought together key stakeholders, including INTOSAI leadership, international organisations, and Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), to discuss the evolving challenges to SAI independence and the critical role of collaboration in safeguarding public accountability.

A Collective Effort to Strengthen SAI Independence

The high-level meeting underscored the urgency of protecting SAIs from undue influence, emphasising that independence is not just a legal matter but a dynamic process influenced by political, institutional, and societal factors. Representatives from INTOSAI, OECD, the World Bank, and key national audit institutions highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach that considers both formal and informal influences on SAI independence.

Gene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, reinforced that defending SAI independence requires more than legal frameworks—it is a relationship-driven effort that depends on strong alliances at both the country and global levels. Similarly, Karl Eirik Schjøtt-Pedersen, Auditor General of Norway and Chair of the IDI Governing Board, highlighted data from IDI and the World Bank showing that SAIs worldwide face increasing threats to their ability to operate independently. In addition, Dr. Hussam Alangari, Chair of the Policy, Finance and Administration Committee, as well as President of the General Court of Audit of Saudi Arabia, highlighted that the importance of SAI independence has been globally recognised since the Lima Declaration over 40 years ago, and remains an ongoing process that SAIs continue to strive for. 

The Global Project, a joint initiative between IDI and OECD, aims to address these challenges by identifying the informal factors that shape SAI independence, such as political dynamics, organisational culture, and stakeholder interactions. By leveraging research and strategic advocacy, the project seeks to provide actionable recommendations for strengthening SAI independence beyond legal provisions.

Looking Ahead: Country Visits and Next Steps

Following the discussions, the project will now enter its next phase: conducting in-depth country visits to identify good practices and assess the real-world challenges SAIs face. These visits will gather critical insights on how SAIs navigate informal pressures and the mechanisms that help sustain their independence. Representatives from Jamaica, Liberia, Jordan, Morocco, and Spain have committed to participating in this effort, alongside key international partners such as the INTOSAI General Secretariat, the Saudi Arabian General Court of Audit (GAC), the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the World Bank.

An IDI-OECD report summarising the findings will be developed, offering a set of recommendations based on international best practices. This report will serve as a valuable resource for SAIs and their allies, helping to shape future advocacy efforts and policy decisions to protect audit institutions from political and institutional pressures.

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact

Beyond shaping the content of the Global Project, the meeting in Paris reinforced the importance of global partnerships in advancing SAI independence. A notable highlight was a meeting between US Comptroller General Gene Dodaro and the OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, further strengthening collaboration between key international actors.

The Global Project is not just about research—it is about fostering a movement that mobilises governments, oversight bodies, and civil society to champion SAI independence as a pillar of good governance. Through continued dialogue, data-driven advocacy, and strategic alliances, the project aims to ensure that SAIs worldwide can fulfil their crucial role in holding power to account.

As the project progresses, IDI and OECD will continue engaging with stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Stay tuned for updates as we move forward in this collective effort to enhance public sector accountability and governance.

On 6 Feburary 2025, at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, IDI hosted a dynamic panel discussion exploring a critical question: What does it take to fight corruption and build stronger integrity systems? The consensus was clear—no single actor can do it alone. It takes a network. Learn more about the key takeaways and learnings from the invited thoughtleaders present at the event below.

Collaboration as a Driving Force

Ms. Malou Mangahas from the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition (R2KRN) emphasised the power of bringing together diverse stakeholders. Governments, civil society organisations (CSOs), businesses, academia, youth groups, and even critics and skeptics all have a role to play. The strength of integrity systems comes not just from individual institutions, but from how well they collaborate in pursuit of common goals—transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation.

The coalition’s work demonstrates the importance of shared power. By building inclusive networks, groups like R2KRN have been able to advocate for access to information laws, improve transparency in public procurement and strengthen election integrity. However, as Ms. Mangahas highlighted, trust is key. Genuine efforts to collaborate must be based on openness, mutual respect, and a commitment to truth.

Lessons from Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis

Sri Lanka’s recent economic collapse exposed not just financial mismanagement but also serious governance failures. As Ms. Sankhitha Gunaratne of Verité Research pointed out, this was the first time the International Monetary Fund (IMF) acknowledged governance as a root cause of a crisis in Asia. Local CSOs seized this moment to push for reforms, providing critical insights on state capture and demanding accountability in the IMF negotiations.

Despite initial resistance, sustained pressure from a coalition of six CSOs ensured that governance reforms became part of the conversation. They conducted independent assessments and shared research to hold decision-makers accountable. Their experience underscores a crucial point: civil society is most effective when it has credibility, strong evidence, and strategic alliances.

Citizen Engagement in Oversight and Auditing: Global Examples

Atty. Rahabansa Dagalangit from the Commission on Audit of the Republic of the Philippines (COA) highlighted the role of citizen engagement in government oversight. The Philippines has institutionalised citizen participatory audits, allowing CSOs and the public to be involved in auditing government programs. COA also invests in digital platforms to enhance efficiency and transparency in its audit processes.

Yet challenges remain, including ensuring that anti-corruption institutions remain independent and resilient to political influence. Speakers agreed that sustained engagement—rather than one-time consultations—is essential for real impact.

In Armenia, the Armenian Lawyers Association (ALA) has taken a proactive approach to integrity-building. By forming an anti-corruption coalition with over 60 CSOs, they have successfully pushed for legal reforms, including whistleblower protections and beneficial ownership transparency. Their evidence-based policy advocacy, supported by strong research and legal expertise, has made them a credible voice in governance reform.

Their work also highlights the role of academia in supporting anti-corruption efforts. Researchers and scholars can provide the in-depth analysis and data-driven insights that strengthen CSO advocacy. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, academia plays a vital role in ensuring reforms are not only well-designed but also effectively implemented.

Key Takeaways: Building a Stronger Integrity Network

The panel discussion reinforced that the fight against corruption and the strengthening of integrity systems require collective action. Some key takeaways include:

• Networks matter: No single organisation or institution can drive reform alone. Partnerships across sectors create greater impact.

• Trust is fundamental: Effective collaboration depends on openness, credibility, and accountability on all sides.

• Action is necessary: Research, advocacy, and public participation must translate into concrete reforms.

• Sustained engagement is critical: One-time consultations are not enough; continuous dialogue and pressure are needed to achieve lasting change.

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As OGP and its partners continue working to advance transparency and accountability, this discussion served as a powerful reminder: integrity is a collective effort. Strengthening networks, fostering trust, and ensuring sustained action is key to IDI in driving meaningful change with our stakeholder networks in governance across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

What happens when Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) come together to reimagine accountability? Stronger institutions, greater transparency, and better outcomes for citizens.

This week, key accountability actors from across Asia convened for the ASOSAI Regional Workshop on Enhancing SAI-CSO Engagement, co-hosted by the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), ASOSAI Secretariat, the Commission on Audit (SAI Philippines), the INTOSAI Capacity Building Committee Task Force on Citizen Participation, and the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The event focused on bridging gaps, fostering collaboration, and equipping SAIs and CSOs with tools to enhance public financial management and governance.

Why This Workshop Matters

SAIs play a critical role in ensuring public funds are used effectively, while CSOs amplify transparency efforts and hold governments accountable. When these two forces collaborate, the result is stronger oversight, better service delivery, and more trust in institutions. However, despite its importance, engagement between SAIs and CSOs remains inconsistent across many countries. This workshop aimed to break down barriers, explore best practices, and develop actionable roadmaps for meaningful collaboration.

Key Takeaways 

• Understanding the Context is Key

Effective partnerships require a deep understanding of the national landscape. Participants mapped key players and discussed how to tailor engagement strategies to their specific country contexts.

• Collaboration Mechanisms Drive Change

SAIs and CSOs have different strengths, but by working together, they can enhance public financial management and governance. Discussions highlighted successful engagement models and how to adapt them across diverse country settings.

• Technology is a Game-Changer

From open data initiatives to digital tools, technology is reshaping accountability. Participants explored how tech-driven approaches can increase citizen participation and improve transparency.

• CSOs as Advocates for SAI Independence

An independent SAI is a more effective SAI. CSOs can play a vital role in safeguarding SAI independence by advocating for stronger legal frameworks and amplifying challenges SAIs face.

From Dialogue to Action: What’s Next?

The momentum built at the ASOSAI Regional Workshop won’t stop here. Through these working sessions, participants have now co-developed action plans and a regional rollout strategy through 2026, ensuring continued engagement beyond the event. The insights, strategies, and commitments made will fuel ongoing collaboration, influence national accountability agendas and could contribute to stronger, more transparent institutions across Asia.

We extend our gratitude to all our partners, speakers and participants for making this event a success. Stay tuned for updates on how these discussions translate into action!

Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in holding public institutions accountable. To support this vital oversight work, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) Zambia hosted an Investigative Journalism Workshop from February 4-6, 2025, in Lusaka. Part of the CADRE Project, the workshop aimed to equip journalists with the skills to analyse audit reports, uncover critical financial management issues, and translate complex findings into compelling stories that drive action.

A Collaboration for Transparency and Accountability

The CADRE Project, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is jointly implemented by IDI and Transparency International (TI), with OAG Zambia and TI-Zambia leading efforts at the country level. The project fosters collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to enhance transparency, accountability, and SAI independence.

This three-day workshop brought together 17 media houses from across Zambia, focusing on investigative techniques that help translate complex audit findings into compelling stories that inform the public and drive action.

Setting the Stage for Investigative Impact

The event was officially opened by Zambia’s Auditor General, Dr. Ron Mwambwa, and Transparency International Zambia’s Executive Director, Mr. Maurice Nyambe. Dr. Mwambwa underscored the importance of media collaboration with the OAG, emphasizing that investigative journalism can transform audit findings into meaningful action by exposing inefficiencies and misconduct in public finance management. He also stressed the need for responsible and factual reporting.

Mr. Nyambe echoed these sentiments, highlighting the media’s role as a key player in the fight against corruption. He called for stronger partnerships between journalists, CSOs, and audit institutions to ensure public funds are used transparently and effectively.

Speaking at the opening, IDI reinforced the workshop’s objective: empowering journalists with the knowledge and tools to interpret financial oversight data and produce impactful investigative reports that promote good governance.

Sharpening Investigative Skills for Public Accountability

Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in holding public institutions accountable. To support this vital work, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) Zambia hosted an Investigative Journalism Workshop from February 4-6, 2025, in Lusaka. Held under the CADRE Project, the workshop equipped journalists with the skills to analyse audit reports, uncover financial mismanagement, and transform findings into compelling stories that drive action.

Led by investigative journalism expert Mr. Joseph Mwenda of News Diggers, along with facilitators from OAG Zambia, TI-Zambia, and BBC Media Action, the sessions provided in-depth training on key topics:

• Public Financial Management (PFM) & the Role of SAIs – Understanding financial oversight and its impact on governance.
• Investigative Journalism Techniques – Ethics, accuracy, and fact-checking in reporting.
• Audit Report Analysis – Identifying key findings from the OAG’s 2023 Report and developing impactful stories based on financial oversight data.

Turning Insights into Action

By the end of the workshop, participants developed key action points to implement before the next session in March 2025, including publishing investigative stories based on findings from the OAG 2023 Report and conducting in-depth investigations into critical issues highlighted in audit reports.

The second phase of the workshop, taking place next month, will continue to build on these efforts, further refining investigative techniques and strengthening collaboration between journalists, CSOs, and SAIs.

This workshop reaffirmed the vital role of investigative journalism in ensuring that audit findings lead to real governance improvements. Through the CADRE Project, IDI, OAG Zambia, and their partners remain committed to supporting journalists and accountability actors in the mission to promote transparency and impactful storytelling.

 Stay tuned for updates from the March 2025 follow-up workshop!

The 2nd LEGSAI Initiative Meeting of Experts, hosted by SAI Poland (NIK) and the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), in Warsaw, Poland from 26–29 November 2024, brought together global experts to advance this critical agenda.

This month, stakeholders from civil society and integrity institutions have been making significant strides in promoting good governance and accountability in Malawi.

The five-day Experience and Lessons Learned Workshop on "Enhancing Transparency and Accountability Through Collaboration," held from October 14-18, 2024, in Lusaka, Zambia, concluded with promising outcomes for the future of public financial management in the region. 

On October 15, 2024, the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the Audit Office of Cyprus co-organised the High-level Event on SAI Independence in Pafos, Cyprus.

On 24-27 September 2024, IDI and Transparency International Zambia held an impactful four-day workshop in Zambia as part of the CADRE Project.

The INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) convened the second planning meeting of the Global Project on Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) Independence in Vienna, Austria.