This 7th edition is full of symbols. This number 7 of the plenitude and the maturity is also announcing an edition which intervenes for the first time in a country of sub-Saharan French-speaking Africa, thus translating once again our opening to our professionals of accounting and auditing of the French-speaking world. A few months ago we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our organization. This was an opportunity for us to take stock of our continental institution with objectivity and without complacency. We have noted real reasons for legitimate pride in the consolidation of our actions in favor of the development of the accounting profession at the continental level. We have also noted weaknesses that we are committed to correcting in order to increase the influence of our profession beyond African borders. This has justified the adoption of a new strategic plan with a clear and precise roadmap. With 56 member organizations representing 45 countries, the PAFA brand is gradually becoming known throughout Africa and internationally. It is thus positioning itself as the main interlocutor of our international standard-setting body for the accounting profession which is IFAC. It is thus in the perspective of making well known our knowledge and know-how that PAFA in partnership with the Order of Chartered Accountants of Côte d’Ivoire organizes this 7th edition of our congress under the theme of the Chartered Accountant as an instrument of structural transformation of our African economies; this after the theme of the 4th industrial revolution during the sixth congress. As we know the preponderant place that the Ivorian accounting profession occupies in our professional bodies and all the innovations that it has undertaken for some years, it is undeniable that we will be at a real appointment of giving and receiving. That is why I invite you to come in large numbers to take up this umpteenth challenge of our profession together! That is why I invite you to come in great numbers to take up this umpteenth challenge of our profession!

Mr. Cosme GOUNDETE