ADDIS ABABA – The Office of the Federal Auditor General (OFAG) has urged the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MoIT) to enhance its operations and ensure compliance with financial and operational regulations.
OFAG recently evaluated the ministry’s 2023/2024 operational audit report, focusing on project contracts and human resource management. Auditor General Meseret Damtie stated that the audit uncovered inefficiencies, including delayed project completions, improper hiring practices, and misallocation of funds. These findings prompted calls for greater accountability, improved operations, and corrective action regarding the misuse of funds.
She emphasized that the Federal Anti-Corruption Commission should oversee these issues to ensure legal accountability.
The Federal Auditor General’s Office recommended that the ministry collaborate closely with the Ministries of Finance, Planning, and Development to improve project implementation and financial management.
The Government Expenditure Management and Monitoring Standing Committee Chairperson, Yeshimebet Demissie criticized the ministry’s failure to submit project implementation reports—especially those funded by government budgets, international aid, and loans—for discussion with relevant authorities.
She called for an audit of illegal expenditures within 15 days, highlighting concerns over spending on transportation rent, data center construction, science cafés, employee salaries, and other expenses. Additionally, she demanded corrective measures for budget deficits exceeding half a billion Birr, urging legal action against those responsible.
Yeshimebet further pointed out that several projects were undertaken without conducting pre-feasibility studies and proper evaluations, which contributed to inefficiencies.
In response, MoIT Minister Belete Molla (PhD), acknowledged the audit shortcomings, citing the complex and multi-faceted nature of the institution’s activities.
“We are committed to addressing these challenges. We will present an action plan outlining the corrective measures taken to the Standing Committee,” he stated.
Belete also noted that the ministry is collaborating with the World Bank and other partner organizations to implement Digital Ethiopia 2025. He assured that efforts would be made to rectify the audit gaps identified during the evaluation.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2025
