The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Board of Auditors has officially commenced its audit of the SADC Secretariat for the 2025/2026 financial year, beginning with a courtesy call on the SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi on 4 May 2026.
The SADC Board of Auditors plays an important role in safeguarding the integrity of SADC by reviewing financial statements and operations. Its work reinforces transparency, accountability, and good governance across the organisation. Drawn from Member States on a rotational basis, the Board embodies regional cooperation, fairness, and inclusivity, while strengthening trust and confidence among Member States and citizens.
This year’s Board is led by Mr. Edwin Mpeni from the National Audit Office in Malawi, as the team leader and he will be supported by a team of 11 members from the Republics of Malawi, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Their report will be presented to the SADC Council of Ministers, which oversees governance and decision-making within the Community.
During the courtesy call, H.E. Mr. Magosi, accompanied by Dr. Judith Kateera, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs, welcomed the auditors and pledged the Secretariat’s full support and cooperation. Mr. Mpeni expressed appreciation for the Secretariat’s collaboration and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to a thorough and impartial audit that will further strengthen SADC’s governance structures.
The Board of Auditors serves as the external audit body of SADC in line with Article 29 of the SADC Treaty and a resolution adopted by the Council of Ministers in January 2005, which mandated Supreme Audit Institutions of Member States to conduct external audits of SADC institutions.
Later in the day, the Board held a kick-off briefing with the Secretariat’s management team to outline the roadmap and scope of the audit, setting the stage for a collaborative and productive exercise.
