Episode 39: Auditing is a human business, Lessons from Zambia’s Liswaniso Namatama

Episode 39: Auditing is a human business, Lessons from Zambia’s Liswaniso Namatama When people think about auditing, they often picture spreadsheets, ticking boxes, and endless calculations. But for Liswaniso Namatama, auditing is about something much bigger: people, relationships, and creating positive change. In a recent conversation on Difference Makers Discuss, Liswaniso shared how his journey in accountancy has shaped both his professional career and his mission to support communities in Zambia. Based in Lusaka, Liswaniso trained through the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants and now works as an assistant manager at a local audit firm. Over six years in auditing, he has developed a passion for understanding how businesses operate across industries, from NGOs to manufacturing and mining. But what stood out most was his perspective on the human side of auditing. “Audit is about understanding businesses, assessing risks, professional judgment, and helping organizations improve how they operate.” While AI and automation are transforming the profession, Liswaniso believes human interaction remains at the heart of effective auditing. Building trust with clients, interpreting risks, and communicating findings clearly are skills technology cannot replace. His story also highlights the wider impact of the accountancy profession. After attending the One Young World Summit, Liswaniso connected with fellow young leaders who inspired him to take action in his own community. Together with other Chartered Accountants, he became involved in a foundation focused on mentoring young people and supporting underserved communities through outreach programs. For Liswaniso, accountancy has become more than a career, it is a platform for leadership and social impact. His advice to aspiring accountants is simple: “Accounting is extremely amazing.” And judging by the passion and purpose behind his work, it is hard to disagree