African internal auditors were encouraged to incorporate Artificial Intelligence along with other cutting-edge technologies to enhance the growing sector on the continent. This recommendation came during the inaugural session of the 11th African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (AFIIA) Conference held in Kigali, gathering practitioners from various parts of Africa. Specialists contended that amid global acceptance of technological advancements, the realm of internal auditing should keep pace.
Ruth Doreen Mutebe, AFIIA chairperson, underscored the rising significance of AI in her remarks. “In relation to internal auditing, it represents a burgeoning development area. Previously, we embraced tech tools including analytical methods, thorough examination processes, record management techniques, and reporting strategies,” she explained. Consequently, embracing AI becomes imperative due to varying rates of implementation observed between nations—some progressing rapidly whereas others lagging behind. Nonetheless, concerted efforts towards incorporating AI persistently continue throughout member states under AFIIA supervision.
Jean Sauver Mizerere, System Auditor Supervisor at Bank of Kigali, concurred regarding AI’s transformative impact on fundamental audit activities like information scrutiny, causal factor detection, and document preparation. According to him, specific measures aimed at blending AI capabilities into routine audits had already commenced at his institution through planned initiatives designed around phased execution frameworks.
David Kanamugire, Director General of Rwanda’s National Cybersecurity Agency, advocated total assimilation of AI functionalities asserting their indispensability rather than optionality in maintaining competitiveness levels within professional fields today. Emphasizing real-time interaction abilities enabled via advanced computing platforms, he remarked, “[W]ithout acknowledging AI’s pervasive influence now, organizations risk falling short.”
Kanamura urged stakeholders involved in regulatory bodies to pivot away from traditional enforcement models toward more cooperative engagement approaches recognizing evolving dynamics influencing operational landscapes globally. Data utilization emerged central amidst proposed adaptive methodologies necessary for sustaining growth trajectories anticipated downline years ahead.
Challenges surrounding broader uptake of sophisticated solutions encompassing aspects related to personal data protection norms compliance alongside potential barriers stemming from reluctance exhibited amongst certain segments resisting organizational transformations required align themselves accordingly according prevailing standards dictated industry-wide practices postulated Ms. Mutebe. Furthermore, safeguarding against malicious incursions targeting enhanced connectivity infrastructures poses another critical concern needing urgent attention parallelly pursued endeavors promoting widespread dissemination beneficial applications leveraging latest innovations currently available.
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