THE Pan African Federation of Accountants (Pafa) expects Zimbabwe to benefit opportunities to collaborate from the upcoming Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA) four-day conference scheduled to be held in Rwanda from May 6 to 9.
According to Pafa, Zimbabwe will benefit as the conference provides a platform to enhance the local accountancy profession through the adoption of international standards such as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board and International Financial Reporting Standards.
The conference is ACOA’s 8th and will be co-hosted by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) together with PAFA.
NewsDay Business understands that the conference, running under the theme Creating Value for Africa, has already attracted over 2 000 attendees from more than 65 countries.
The theme highlights the crucial role of the accountancy profession in promoting sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Africa and emphasising the need for professional accountants to innovate, collaborate and lead initiatives that generate long-term value for the continent.
“The primary aim of the conference is to bring together professional accountants, policymakers, regulators, development partners and business leaders to discuss issues that shape Africa’s economic and professional landscape,” Pafa president Keto Kayemba said in responses to NewsDay Business.
“Accountancy and finance professionals have a crucial role in Africa’s economic progress. ACOA 2025 is where thought leaders, policymakers and industry experts unite to create bold solutions for Africa’s evolving financial landscape and this is not just about discussing ideas — it is about influencing policies, strengthening governance and driving sustainability across the continent.”
She further noted that ACOA supports Zimbabwe by bolstering the global competitiveness of its accountancy profession and advancing international standards.
“The congress provides a strategic platform for local accountancy organisations to influence policy, engage with international standard setters and access cutting-edge insights on sustainability, digital transformation, accountancy education, the African Continental Free Trade Area and governance,” Kayemba said.
“It also enhances Zimbabwe’s capacity to attract sustainable investment, aligns with national development goals and creates opportunities for visibility, partnerships, and technical support across the continent.”
ACOA’s conference serves as a premier platform for accountants, policymakers, regulators, development partners and business leaders in Africa’s accountancy profession.
“At ACOA, we are building a stronger, collective voice for our profession. We inspire leadership, embrace innovation, and set the agenda for Africa’s future. Now, more than ever, your voice matters,” Pafa vice-president Walid Ben Salah said.
According to Pafa, the conference is more than just an event; it is a powerful movement that unites professionals, drives change, and amplifies Africa’s voice in the global financial landscape.
“We will address pressing challenges, explore new opportunities, and define the profession’s role in building a stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive Africa,” Salah said.
