The Global Accountability Conference on Oil and Gas was held in Dar-es Salaam 11-12 April. The conference was arranged by the Wajibu Institute of Public Accountability, which was co-founded by former Tanzania Controller and Auditor General, and former AFROSAI-E Chair, Mr. Ludovick Utouh. Wajibu shall focus on accountability on a number of policy areas, and at the moment oil and gas is the emerging area in Tanzania.

The Oil and Gas conference in Dar-es Salaam was a good example of how to bring different stakeholders together to discuss an emerging issue, which oil and gas extraction in Tanzania represents. The role of the National Audit Office of Tanzania is also highly commendable. They were active participants and performed different roles with ease, such as chairing sessions, making though-provoking presentations, take part in panel debates and asking questions. SAIs should lead by example in stimulating public debate on emerging issues. Too often SAIs refrain from providing foresight, and only restrict themselves to oversight and ex ante controls. By contributing to the public debate SAIs can use its wisdom and knowledge to ensure that informed decisions are being made.