Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni opened the fourth edition of the African Congress of Accountants 2017 (ACOA17) in a lengthy speech that reviewed the past and present challenges facing Africa in growing its economies. President Museveni concluded his speech by telling the accountants present in the room: « If you do your job properly, your countries will develop ». He pointed out the role of successes and encouraged the delegates to share their successes so that countries can learn from each other. President Museveni's speech was preceded a keynote speech 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 the past and existing initiatives. Primarily, Agenda 2063 is based on seven aspirations: a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. An integrated continent, politically united and based on on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of the renaissance of Africa, an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law, an Africa in in peace and security, an Africa with an identity culture, a common heritage, shared values and ethics, an Africa whose development is centered on on people, building on the potential of Africans, especially its women and youth, and caring for children, Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner. After presenting the different aspirations and calls to actions being part of Agenda 2063, Zuma made the connection with the accountancy profession. "Accounting is very important, because it is present in everything I have just talked about," she said. "So I hope you will discuss [during Congress] how you, as an accountant, will contribute to this agenda." Earlier, IFAC President Rachel Grimes pointed out; public about the connection between a strong accounting profession and growing and sustainable economies. Similarly, the President of the Pan-African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), Asmaa Resmouki, underlined that that at this year's edition of the congress, the issue of empowerment of professional women will be addressed in plenary session, whereas two years ago it was ;was covered in a concurrent session.
ACOA17 will run throughout this week bringing together 1,200 accountants from across the continent (including 500 from outside Uganda). This latest edition of the congress is organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Uganda (ICPAU) and PAFA under the theme: « accounting and responsibility : Transforming African Economies ».
