The Ethiopian Information System Audit Association (EISAA) hosted a groundbreaking webinar today titled "The Role of IT Audit and Quality Assurance in Supporting Ethiopian Digital Transformation," bringing together industry leaders, international partners, and esteemed colleagues to discuss the pivotal role of IT audit in ensuring the security, scalability, and reliability of Ethiopia's digital infrastructure.
Opening Remarks by Tewodros Guday
The webinar commenced with an insightful address from Tewodros Guday, Vice Chairman of EISAA and certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Tewodros set the stage by highlighting Ethiopia's remarkable strides in digital transformation.
He pointed to the launch of the Ethiopian Stock Exchange, the rollout of Fayda Digital Identity, and the rising use of digital payments, which now surpass paper currency in the country. He underscored the importance of these developments for both the public and private sectors, including key digital reforms such as the transformation of government services like tax, trade registration, and the introduction of an e-court system at the Federal Supreme Court.
"Digital payments have already surpassed cash transactions, demonstrating the rapid adoption of financial technology," said Tewodros, adding that a recent Visa report revealed over 80% of SMEs in Ethiopia had adopted digital payments in just two years. This shift, he explained, could contribute up to 2% to the national GDP. However, he also emphasized the need for a secure, scalable, and reliable digital infrastructure to ensure continued success.
Tewodros made it clear that IT audits are no longer just a regulatory necessity but a strategic imperative to safeguard against fraud, ensure compliance, optimize system performance, and protect data privacy. His call for continuous investment in IT infrastructure and quality assurance was a central theme of the webinar, reinforcing the need for a collaborative approach to secure Ethiopia’s digital future.
Key Insights from Panelists
The webinar continued with powerful insights from a range of speakers who shared valuable perspectives on Ethiopia’s digital journey and the critical role of IT audits.
Mr. Eskinder Mesfin, Chairman of EISAA, emphasized the five key pillars of Digital Ethiopia 2033—digital infrastructure, e-Governance, digital economy, cybersecurity, and inclusive access. These pillars, he noted, form the bedrock of Ethiopia’s digital future. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, and the skill gaps that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable progress.
From the international perspective, Ms. Veronica Rose and Ms. Brilliant Kaimba from Kenya’s Scratch and Script shared their country’s experience in digital transformation. They outlined how structured IT audits, especially within Kenya’s banking sector and SACCOs, had played a crucial role in enhancing compliance, security, and trust in digital ecosystems. Ms. Rose highlighted that IT auditing should evolve to address the realities of the digital world, emphasizing the importance of auditing people, processes, and systems.
Mr. Bisrat Yirdaw from the EISAA Secretariat wrapped up the session by reinforcing the significance of cybersecurity and IT audit in Ethiopia's digital progress. He noted that robust systems of cyber assurance, regulatory compliance, and controls like SOC2 (Service Organization Control 2) are essential to mitigating risks and securing Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure.
The Vision for an ISACA Chapter in Ethiopia
A key takeaway from today’s event was the announcement of a significant goal for EISAA: the establishment of an ISACA Chapter in Ethiopia. Ms. Veronica Rose expressed her support for this vision, recognizing how it could strengthen professional standards in IT auditing and provide global resources to advance the field within Ethiopia. The potential for such an initiative was met with enthusiasm, as participants recognized its importance for elevating Ethiopia’s IT audit and cybersecurity capabilities.
Conclusion and Future Collaboration
As the webinar concluded, Tewodros Guday thanked all speakers and participants for their invaluable contributions. He reinforced the message that Ethiopia’s digital transformation cannot succeed without strong frameworks for IT audit and quality assurance. Ensuring the integrity, security, and reliability of digital services is crucial for the continued growth and sustainability of the nation’s digital economy.
"Ethiopia’s journey is not just about adopting new technologies; it is about making sure they serve their purpose effectively and securely," said Tewodros. His call to action emphasized the importance of collaboration and continuous investment in building a secure, inclusive digital ecosystem for all Ethiopians.
With today's insightful discussions and a clear vision for the future, the webinar was a crucial step forward in supporting Ethiopia’s digital transformation through IT audit and quality assurance. The commitment to shared learning, partnership, and development sets a strong foundation for the digital future of Ethiopia.
As the nation continues to advance in its digital evolution, this webinar marked an important moment of reflection and progress—one that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Ethiopia's digital transformation in the years to come.
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