Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni opened the fourth edition of the African Congress of Accountants 2017 (ACOA17) in a lengthy speech that examined the past and present challenges Africa faces in growing its economies. President Museveni concluded his speech by telling the accountants in the room, « If you do your job right, your countries will grow. » He emphasized the role of success stories and encouraged delegates to share their success stories so that countries can learn from each other. President Museveni’s speech was preceded by a keynote address by Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, former chairperson of the African Union Commission. Zuma’s address focused on the AU’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years, building on past and existing initiatives. Essentially, Agenda 2063 is based on seven aspirations: a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. An integrated, politically united continent based on the ideals of pan-Africanism and the vision of the African renaissance; an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law; an Africa at peace and secure; an Africa with a strong cultural identity, an Africa with a strong cultural identity, a common heritage, shared values and ethics, an Africa whose development is people-centered, building on the potential of Africans, especially its women and youth, and caring for children, Africa as a strong, united and influential global actor and partner. After outlining the various aspirations and calls to action that are part of Agenda 2063, Zuma made the connection to the accounting profession. « Accounting is very important, because it’s involved in everything I just talked about, » she said. « So I hope you will discuss [during the congress] how, as an accountant, you will contribute to this agenda. » Earlier, IFAC President Rachel Grimes emphasized to the audience the link between a strong accounting profession and growing, sustainable economies. Similarly, Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) President Asmaa Resmouki noted that at this year’s edition of the congress, the issue of empowering professional women will be addressed in a plenary session, whereas two years ago it was addressed in a concurrent session.

ACOA17 will take place throughout this week bringing together 1,200 accountants from all over the continent (including 500 from outside Uganda). This latest edition of the conference is organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) and PAFA under the theme: « Accounting and Accountability: Transforming African Economies ».