Rwanda to host Africa Congress of Accountants 2025, showcasing financial excellence

Elias Hakizimana Apr 2, 2025 0 Comments

By Prince Boris Cyubahiro

Rwanda is set to host the 8th Edition of the Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA 2025), a premier gathering of finance and accounting professionals from across the continent.

Organized by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) in collaboration with the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), the event will take place from May 6-9, 2025, at the Kigali Convention Centre.

Speaking at a press conference in Kigali, ICPAR officials, alongside key stakeholders, sponsors, and exhibitors, emphasized the significance of ACOA 2025 as a platform for advancing professional excellence, fostering economic transformation, and shaping Africa’s financial future.

The congress is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, including thought leaders, policymakers, and business executives in the fields of finance, accountancy, and business strategy.

Under the theme “Creating Value for Africa,” the congress will address critical topics such as sustainable development, climate action, technology and innovation, the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and workforce empowerment.

Highlighting the conference’s core objective, ICPAR Chief Executive Officer, Miramago Amin, stated that ACOA 2025 aims to emphasize the importance of professional accounting.

“The primary goal is to showcase the impact that accounting can have on the development of a country or even multiple countries. When assessing institutions globally, they no longer evaluate a company’s progress solely based on its revenue but also consider the value it creates. This conference will provide insights into these changes and why they have occurred,” he said.

ICPAR President, FCPA Obadiah R. Biraro, underlined the broader significance of ACOA 2025.

“The Africa Congress of Accountants aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the accountancy profession across the continent. By convening professional accountants and key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and regions, ACOA 2025 seeks to promote excellence in the profession, advance standards of practice, and address common challenges faced by accountants in Africa.” he said,

ICPAR President, FCPA Obadiah R. Biraro addressing the media during a press conference in Kigali.

Rwanda’s selection as the host country reflects its growing reputation as a regional financial hub, with a strong commitment to transparency, governance, and sustainable economic growth.

The event will provide a platform to showcase Rwanda’s progress while facilitating collaborations to strengthen the profession and enhance the business environment across Africa.

Biraro also emphasized the economic impact of ACOA 2025 on Rwanda, “The event is expected to have a substantial impact on the local economy by generating tourism revenues, promoting Rwanda’s growing conference and exhibition infrastructure, and strengthening Rwanda’s position as an International Financial Centre, among others.” he elaborated.

ICPAR President, FCPA Obadiah R. Biraro (L-R) sitting alongside ICPAR Chief Executive Officer, Miramago Amin while explaining the rationale of the upcoming ACOA2025.

In addition to panel discussions and high-level dialogues, ACOA 2025 will feature an exhibition space where sponsors and exhibitors can engage with delegates, showcase innovative solutions, and explore business expansion opportunities. The congress will also include networking sessions and technical workshops designed to address emerging challenges in the finance sector.

ICPAR is working in collaboration with the government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Finance to ensure the successful delivery of the congress. The government, in its last cabinet meeting, officially recognized and endorsed Rwanda’s hosting of ACOA 2025.

ICPAR and PAFA have called on stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, financial institutions, development partners, and the media, to participate in the event. Registration remains open until April 14, 2025, and partnership opportunities are available for sponsors and exhibitors.

Established in 2008, ICPAR is the professional body regulating the accounting profession in Rwanda, promoting high professional standards and supporting the development of accounting professionals. PAFA, founded in 2011, serves as the continental representative of professional accountants, working to strengthen the role of accountancy in Africa’s economic development.