By Nontokozo Gwebu
Eswatini’s Internal Audit leaders are preparing to join thousands of global professionals at the prestigious Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Conference, taking place in Toronto, Canada, from 14–16 July 2025.
This annual gathering is one of the world’s leading platforms for audit professionals to exchange insights on financial crimes, risk management, innovation, and governance. Themed “Embracing Change, Elevating Standards,” this year’s conference underscores how internal auditors must adapt and lead as business partners in a disrupted global economy.
Representing Eswatini is IIA Eswatini Chairperson, Tyrone Jacobs, who is standing alongside delegates from over 170 countries, engaging in dialogue around the changing role of internal auditors in today’s complex business environment.
The upcoming conference presents a valuable opportunity for IIA Eswatini to bring home global best practices that can help elevate local audit standards and strengthen how businesses manage risk, ensure transparency, and build trust.
The knowledge gained from sessions on governance, fraud detection, and regulatory trends is expected to support ongoing efforts to improve accountability across both public and private sectors.
This conference comes at a time when internal audit functions are being called upon to do more than compliance; they’re being positioned as strategic advisors to both public and private institutions.
Attendees will engage with forward-looking topics such as:
• Tackling global financial crime and fraud
• Cybersecurity, ransomware, and digital sabotage
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on auditing
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues
• Risk management in a multi-dimensional world
• Human capital risks, regulatory shifts, and geopolitical tensions
The country’s participation also follows a milestone: in late 2024, IIA Eswatini became an independent international chapter, no longer operating under IIA South Africa. This transition gives the local chapter full authority to design relevant training programmes, grow its membership, and tailor services for the Swati business context.
The newly elected IIA Eswatini Board, chaired by Jacobs and comprising seven professionals, is committed to developing a stronger audit culture in the country, one that enhances value for organizations and promotes a resilient economy.
Newly elected IIA Eswatini Board;
• Tyrone Jacobs (Chairperson),
• Sibusiso Dlamini (Board Secretary)
• Khetsiwe Hlophe (Treasurer),
• Lindelwa Dlamini,
• Bryden Horsley
• Phumla Shabangu
• Nothando Dlamini.