Zanzibar CAG seeks stronger cybersecurity through partnership with India

ZANZIBAR: THE Office of the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) of Zanzibar is set to strengthen international cooperation through a planned partnership with India’s Supreme Audit Institution (SAI India) to enhance staff expertise and safeguarding government systems.

Zanzibar’s Controller and Auditor General, Dr Othman Abass Ali, made the remarks while opening a consultative meeting between the two institutions at the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) hall in Maisara.

He said the collaboration would play a key role in combating cyber threats, including hacking, data theft and the misuse of government systems.

Dr Othman explained that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy by his office to address emerging challenges associated with advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including Artificial Intelligence (AI), data systems and cybersecurity.

He noted that India is among the countries with advanced technological expertise, making it a strategic partner in building the capacity of Zanzibar’s professionals in this critical field.

According to Dr Othman, the eighth phase government has placed strong emphasis on digital transformation, with many public services now available online, an advancement that requires robust system protection.

He added that his office has already begun transitioning from traditional paper-based audits to digital auditing and is currently in the second phase of implementation.

On strengthening the partnership, Dr Othman said preparations are underway to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through the Indian consulate in Zanzibar to formalise training programmes for CAG staff.

He revealed that the training will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will take place in Zanzibar at the IIT Madras campus in Bweleo, while the second phase will be held in India at IIT Madras in Chennai and the National Audit Academy in New Delhi.

He stressed that the training will come at no cost to the government and is designed to support ongoing efforts to improve public sector performance.

A total of 45 staff members are expected to participate in the first phase, while 30 will attend the second phase. Over the next two to three years, about 185 employees are projected to benefit from the programme.

Dr Othman added that successful completion of the training could help the office gain international recognition and certification, including ISO accreditation, enabling it to operate in line with global auditing standards and expand its scope to audit international bodies, including United Nations agencies and institutions across East Africa.

Currently, the CAG office is conducting audits at various Tanzanian embassies in countries such as the United States, Canada and Ethiopia and is seeking further accreditation to expand its mandate globally in collaboration with more advanced national audit offices.

The initiative is also expected to enhance efficiency in auditing government systems and strengthen data security, in line with the growing global reliance on digital technologies.

Dr Othman further disclosed that the office has established a Forensic Club equipped to investigate cybercrime and financial irregularities, including those conducted via mobile phones, financial transactions, computers and the internet.

“This will enhance the credibility of our investigations and support courts in delivering judgments beyond reasonable doubt,” he said.

Senior Audit Officer from India’s CAG office, Mr Sadhashiv Ranade, said the cybersecurity training will equip Zanzibar with skills to protect ICT systems across government departments and identify vulnerabilities within existing infrastructure.

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He added that the approach will help prevent cyberattacks and improve the overall integrity of government systems. Meanwhile, Director of ICT Systems in Zanzibar, Mr Juma Mohammed Juma, said the government has made significant investments in ICT infrastructure, enabling public institutions to utilise digital systems effectively to boost economic growth and improve revenue collection.

However, he warned that rapid technological changes have also exposed systems in both public and private sectors to manipulation and fraud.