Terms of Reference
Statutory Audit for Self Help Africa
Established in 1984, Self Help Africa is an international development organization that works through agriculture and Agri-enterprise development to address hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impacts of climate change. We believe that equitable economic development is key to lifting communities out of long-term poverty, empowering them to take control of their futures and improving their quality of life. In early 2023 we launched a new five-year organization strategy, which defines shared mission as the alleviation of hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impact of climate change through community-led, market-based and enterprise- focused approaches, so that people can have access to nutritious food, clean water, decent employment and incomes, while sustaining natural resources. Our wider organization also includes social enterprise subsidiaries Partner Africa, which provides ethical auditing and consultancy services, and CUMO, Malawi’s largest micro-finance provider.
Self Help Africa hereinafter referred to as “SHA”, invites an audits firm hereinafter referred to as “the Auditor”, to conduct a statutory audit of the Company’s financial statements for the financial year January – December 2025.
Objective
The objective of this audit is to enable the Auditor to express an opinion on whether the financial statements present a true and fair view of the Company’s financial position,
performance, and cash flows in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.
Scope of Work
The Auditor shall conduct the audit in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and therelevant laws and regulations of Malawi. The scope of work shall include:
- Audit of Financial Statements: The Auditor shall audit the Company’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
- Compliance with Laws and Regulations: The Auditor shall verify the Company’s compliance with relevant laws andregulations, including tax laws and financial reporting
- Internal Controls: The Auditor shall evaluate the Company’s internal controls and identify any material weaknesses or deficiencies.
Deliverables
The Auditor shall deliver the following reports and documents:
- Audit Report: A written report expressing the Auditor’s opinion on the fairness and accuracy of the financial statements.
- Management Letter: A letter highlighting any material weaknesses or deficiencies in internal controls, as well as any other matters that require management’s attention.
- Financial Statements: The audited financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
Timeline
The Auditor shall complete the audit and deliver the reports and documents within six weeks from the commencement of the auditResponsibilities
SHA shall:
- Provide the Auditor with unrestricted access to all necessary information, records, and
- Ensure that all financial transactions are properly recorded and
- Respond promptly to the Auditor’s requests for information and
The Auditor shall:
- Conduct the audit in accordance with the ISAs and relevant laws and
- Maintain confidentiality and independence throughout the audit
- Report any material weaknesses or deficiencies in internal controls to
Fees and Expenses
The Auditor’s fees and expenses shall be as agreed upon in the engagement letter.
Auditor’s Firm Qualification Criteria:
- Registration and Licensing: The auditor’s firm should be registered and licensed with the Institute of Certified Accountants of Malawi and bodies and regulatory authorities.
- Professional Certifications: The auditor firm should have professionals with relevant certifications, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), ACCA or Chartered Accountant (CA).
- Experience and Expertise: The audit firm should have relevant experience and expertise in auditing companies in the same industry or sector.
- Independence and Objectivity: The audit firm should be independent and objective, with no conflicts of interest that could compromise the audit.
Evaluation Criteria
- Experience in similar assignments
- The proposed audit team
- Proposed audit timeline
How to apply
- All eligible Audit firms / Auditors who have valid business license with traceable offices and fulfills the requirements can send the bid documents by uploading the electronic documents in a link provided below.
- Bidders should submit their offers which should include delivery terms and bid validity.
- The TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR CONTRACTS FOR PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES & GOODS – SELF HELP AFRICA(SHA)_JAN 2023 will be applicable. These terms and conditions will be shared with the successful bidder for their review and signature.
- Kindly utilize this provided box link to upload electronic copies of your bid application. https://gsha.app.box.com/f/2f89ba671e4a46ec933b955dcb3b459a
- If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to send an email to procurement.mw@
selfhelpafrica.org
Alternatively, proposals may be submitted in sealed envelopes by hand, clearly labeled “Audit Services for SELF HELP AFRICA”. and delivered no later than 16th October 2025 to the SELF HELP AFRICA Country Office in Lilongwe. Submissions should be addressed to: The Procurement and Logistics Manager, City Centre, Mwai House (Same building as Centenary Bank), Next to Anamwino House, Private Bag B-495, Lilongwe.
Closing date of receiving bid submission is 16th October, 2025.
Note: Self Help Africa is not bound to accept the lowest or any other bid. All bids will be evaluated in accordance with SHA Procurement guidelines as well as the requirements for this Invitation to bids. Bids will be evaluated on the basis of compliance with technical specifications, delivery period, price and discounts offered (if any). Self Help Africa takes the safety and well-being of all those we work with, very seriously. We have a zero-tolerance policy on abuse. Our recruitment is safe, meaning that we recruit contractors with the highest values and standards of ethical behavior.