Dar es Salaam. In a landmark moment for Tanzania, the Global Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA Global) has appointed Mr Augustino Mbogella to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) Oversight Council, tasked with upholding the integrity and quality of internal auditing standards worldwide.
This prestigious role positions him as the only representative from Africa and the first Tanzanian to serve on a distinguished group of eight professionals from global organizations, including the World Bank, the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).
Additionally, members represent the National Association of Directors (NAD), the Global Network of Directors (GNDI), the Organization of Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD), and The IIA.
This diverse group is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of internal auditing worldwide.
Mr Mbogella, founder and Managing Director of GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) Solutions, is honored to represent Tanzania on the IPPF Oversight Council following his recent appointment.
His appointment enables him to contribute to the highest standards of the internal audit profession globally.
As the former chief internal auditor of NMB Tanzania for ten years, he expresses his privilege in serving on the IPPF Oversight Council and representing his country.
He received the news of his appointment while at home in Bunju, Dar es Salaam, marking a significant moment for Tanzania on the global map of the internal audit profession, which is growing in importance and scope.
“I was at home in Bunju when I received a call from someone at IIA Global. They told me that due to my experience, they were giving me the opportunity to join the IPPF,” he shares.
He expresses his surprise and excitement, adding, “I didn’t expect that after leaving the Global Board of Directors of the IIA, they would give me other responsibilities. It was exciting because it’s an area I love.”
Previously, he served on the Global Board of Directors of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) headquartered in Orlando, Florida, USA.
Only two representatives from Africa—one Tanzanian and one South African—were nominated in 2018 to the board, bringing the total to 17 members.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Mr Mbogella never envisioned reaching such heights.
At 55 years old, his aspirations once centered on becoming a director of finance or audit.
As the third-born in a family of eight, his dream of achieving something significant at the national level began in childhood.
He persuaded his father to take him to school, despite not meeting the age requirement; his admission was partly due to his father’s status as a village leader.
However, it was not an easy task to reach where he is now.
In the 1990s, he faced significant challenges, including medical issues that forced him to postpone his studies at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Yet, he never gave up, nor does he forget that hurdle.
His resilience enabled him to qualify as a professional accountant, finishing at the top of his class.
“I always strive to work hard and deliver the best possible. I always inspect my output, sparing no efforts in every piece of work I do to ensure it is the best I could deliver,” he recounts.
He adds, “The biggest challenge to me is managing multiple assignments and clients’ needs to the quality I want to be associated with, and of course meeting clients’ expectations.”
Mr Mbogella’s dedication to the internal audit profession led him to previously serve on the Global Board of Directors of the IIA, where he played a crucial role in elevating Tanzania’s profile on the global stage.
He has over three decades of practice, training, and consulting in internal audit, risk management, and governance matters.
His career began with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) in 1996, and he is a certified trainer of the IIA.
His extensive qualifications, including a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Master of Business Administration from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute, enhance his credibility in this new role.
Mr. Mbogella’s appointment to his current position comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the implementation of new Global Internal Audit Standards effective January 9, 2025.
Dr Zelia Njeza, President of IIA Tanzania, recently congratulated Mr Mbogella on his appointment, stating that it reflects his excellence in the profession and the outstanding contributions of IIA Tanzania in elevating internal auditing both within and outside the country.
“We are proud, as it demonstrates our profession’s maturity and our ability to develop leaders capable of global influence,” she asserted.
Mr Emmanuel Johannes, IIA Global Board Member and past Chairman of the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors (AFIIA), noted that Mr Mbogella’s appointment shows the commitment and recognition of the work which IIA Tanzania is doing at the global level.
“It should be remembered that two years ago, another Tanzanian, myself, was appointed to serve on the IIA Global Board. IIA Tanzania has been the HQ of AFIIA and a leading source of talent for the internal audit profession,” he underscored.
Mr Richard Magongo, Past President of IIA Tanzania, shared his enthusiasm: “This is truly great news for the IIA Tanzania fraternity and the nation at large. It recognizes the essential work we are doing globally.”
As he prepares to take on this new responsibility, Mr Mbogella emphasizes the importance of aligning internal auditing practices with global standards.
“I will work hard to represent my country, the continent, and the profession well at this level,” he affirmed.
His contributions extend beyond his current role; Mr Mbogella is also a former President of IIA Tanzania and has served as Vice-President of the AFIIA.
His leadership has inspired many within the internal audit community.
Mr Mbogella’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone for IIA Tanzania and the broader internal audit community.
His story inspires future generations to strive for excellence in internal auditing, both in Tanzania and around the world.
