SAI Seychelles, OAG, met with a delegation from PEFA (Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability) in January 2025 to discuss the progress it has made since its last assessment. The PEFA is a tool that helps governments to achieve sustainable improvements in PFM practices. External scrutiny and audit plays an important role to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. 

Photo source OAG

Ms Janani Krishnamoorthy, an auditor of the Office of Auditor General, received her IDI PESA professional certificate from the Auditor General in a recently held ceremony. OAG and IDI wish her all the best in her professional development.

Office of the Auditor General

Performance Audit report

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE METHADONE PROGRAMMES

A Performance Audit Report on the above subject matter was submitted to the National Assembly recently. In light of the growing public concern over heroin addiction in Seychelles, a performance audit on the effectiveness of the methadone programmes was deemed relevant. The audit assessed the efficiency and effectiveness of the methadone programmes in achieving their intended objectives for the period 2018-2022.

Currently, the Ministry of Health offers two different methadone programmes, each with distinct objectives.

• The High Threshold Methadone Programme (HTMP) which aims to treat addiction while,
• The Low Threshold Methadone Programme (LTMP) focuses solely on reducing harms associated with heroin use but does not cure addiction.

Audit made the following key observations and recommendations;

Although the audit highlighted several shortcomings, some positive outcomes were also noted, such as improved lifestyles and greater job stability for those enrolled.

The rectification of the deficiencies outlined in this report will lead to improvements in the programmes. Auditor General said “A shift of focus on the HTMP is urgently needed to bring more clients on the treatment programme consequently, clients will reap greater benefits and the public in general will better appreciate and support the programmes.”

Notes to the Editor:

1. Press notices and reports are available from the date of publication on the Auditor General’s website oag.sc
2. The Auditor General, Mr. Gamini Herath, heads the Office of the Auditor General employing some 40 staff. The Office performs the external audit function of public funds on behalf of the National Assembly. The Constitution and the Audit Act provide a broad framework for the role and responsibilities of the Auditor General. The Office is independent of the other arms of the state. The independence of the Auditor General entrenched in the Constitution is a vital factor in the value and credibility that the public can place on the Office’s work.
3. Furthermore, the OAG is a member of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) which sets operational standards as well as Code of Ethics for the conduct of all those who work for, or on behalf of, a Supreme Audit Institution (SAI). The OAG’s ethical behaviour based on a set of values and principles inspires confidence and credibility in the works it carries out and earns the much needed trust of its stakeholders.

4. The purpose of the OAG is not just to identify and report upon shortcomings but also to assist and advise managers throughout Seychelles public sector administration on how to improve good governance, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. The OAG’s value addition comes from the results of audit of financial statements, compliance regime and the value for money aspects of operational performance of public bodies.

Press Notice: 01/2025

All enquiries to Mrs. Lindy Sedgwick
Tel: +248 4672500
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Group photo of the SAI Seychelles delegation with CAG of India during the recent study visit undertaken under the MOU signed last year 

On submitting the Special Audit Report on Cleaners’ Co-operative to the Minister for Finance at Liberty House

OAG met with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) delegation on 27th of February 2025 and participated in the benchmark assessment exercise in relation to the role of an independent supreme audit institution for ensuring greater democracy

The Office of the Auditor General Seychelles has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on cooperation in the field of Public Sector Auditing. The MOU was signed by Mr. Gamini Herath, Auditor General for Seychelles and Mr. Chandra Murmu, Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Monday 21 October 2024 in the presence of the High Commissioner of India, Mr Karthik Pande, and the representatives from both SAIs.

The signing of this MOU marks a significant milestone for both Seychelles and India in efforts to strengthen the existing friendly relations and bilateral co-operation. The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and SAI Seychelles have a longstanding working relationship spanning over 40 years. In his address, AG Herath expressed the hope that MOU would pave the way for better training opportunities, knowledge sharing, exchange of fruitful ideas and sharing of experience between our two SAIs.

A group of staff from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) participated in an insightful in-house training on Wednesday 28^th of August 2024 centered on the payment systems provided by the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS).

The training was facilitated by representatives from the Banking Services Division of the CBS and provided a comprehensive overview of both domestic and international payment services offered by the bank.

Participants were briefed on the various functions of the Banking Services Division and the most comprehensive part of the training was an overview of the bank’s domestic and foreign payment system which includes the Electronic Cheques Clearing (ECG) system, CBS Immediate Transfer Service (SWIFT) system and the Seychelles Electronic Funds Transfer (SEFT) system. The special features of these systems were highlighted with a strong emphasis on the security measures in place to safeguard transactions.

The session also covered the bank’s over-the counter cash services and participants were also refreshed on the special and security features of the notes in circulation.

Overall, the training session was well received and significantly reinforced participants’ understanding of the different payment systems offered by the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS).

SAI-Donor Fund conference

Auditor General, Mr Herath, attended the SAI-Donor Fund conference fully sponsored by

The Global fund’s Office of the Inspector General during 29-01 December 2023. The conference was organized by AFROSAI-E and attended by Auditors General of the grouping and the members of the donor community.

The presentations and plenary discussions examined and did shed light on the following topics:

SAI-Donor framework challenges (Donor Fund audit; Funding challenges – capacity building and professionalization; In-country capacity-building funding; Feedback on the hosting of API and funding)

SAI and Donor cooperation environment (Reflections on the journey of SAI and Donor collaboration; Successes and challenges)  

Harmonising donor reporting requirements (Critical success factors and challenges; Roundtable discussions; Way forward for increased collaboration)

SAI Digitalisation initiatives

Lessons from SAI capacity-building initiatives in Africa

The role of SAIs in donor-funded programmes

Conference concluded with some resolutions being adopted for making improvements in the SAI-Donor framework. (partial group photo below)