Hosting the event for the first time, Rwanda welcomed delegates from over 20 African nations and beyond to discuss the critical role of internal auditing under the conference theme, 'Building Bridges, Inspiring Change.'
Kabera highlighted the engaging discussions, noting that presentations and 'question patting' revealed 'a lot of the challenges and what we are facing in the profession of internal audits,' particularly in navigating technology, emerging risks, and global contexts.
The minister emphasized Rwanda's reliance on internal auditing as a 'strategic pillar' of its governance model, which has driven the nation's transformation since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
'Internal audit gives organizations, both public and private, the tools to detect inefficiencies, prevent mismanagement, and ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively,' he said. Kabera stressed that Rwanda's culture of accountability, which demands 'continually ask[ing] ourselves questions on whether we are doing the right thing,' has built strong institutions and sustained public trust.
Reaffirming Rwanda's commitment to the profession, Kabera highlighted investments in institutional capacity, professionalization, and technology adoption.
He praised the Institute of Internal Audit of Rwanda for shaping ethical and innovative practices, adding, 'We are proud to see the growth of the Institute of Internal Audit of Rwanda and its increasing influence.'
He urged other African nations to embed similar support for the profession, stating, 'It is our wish that the spirit of supporting the internal audit profession be embedded across different countries in Africa.'
Addressing the delegates, Kabera called internal auditors 'enablers of change,' with 'a huge responsibility to be ethical in everything you do, to be independent, to advise on strategies for improvement.'
He encouraged embracing technology and data analytics to go 'beyond the teams and team offices' and align with national development strategies. He also urged leaders to 'give [audit] teams the space to speak the truth, the resources to grow, and the permission they deserve.'
The conference's focus on public sector accountability, geopolitical challenges, and economic inequality reduction aligned with Kabera's vision of auditors as drivers of sustainable development.
He encouraged delegates to 'use this conference to rethink about the role of the audience and its function in the development of our countries' and to build 'even stronger networks of accountability and innovation.'
Terry Grafenstine, Chairperson of the Global Board of Directors of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), noted that corruption remains a significant challenge in many institutions across Africa and worldwide. She emphasized that internal auditors, by applying best practices, can serve as vital examples of good governance.
Mousa Diakite, a delegate from Benin attending AFIIA 2025, described the conference as an opportunity to share expertise, conduct research, and contribute to advancing good governance and improving audit practices in public and private institutions towards sustainable development.
During AFIIA 2025, a partnership agreement was signed between the Global and African Chief Internal Auditors to strengthen collaboration in promoting the profession both in Africa and internationally.
IGIHE
