ENGAGE Africa Conference 2025 inspires finance professionals to lead with purpose

AICPA and CIMA recently hosted their second annual ENGAGE Africa Conference in Johannesburg, bringing together hundreds of finance professionals, business leaders, educators, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond to explore the future of finance.

Held under the theme "AfriCatalysts – Where Connection Fuels Transformation in Finance," the three-day conference provided a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration. Attendees explored the evolving role of finance in driving innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth across Africa. 

Keynote speakers challenged the profession to embrace change and lead with purpose

On Day 1, Abdullah Verachia, CEO of The Strategists, delivered his masterclass with a compelling call to action: “Disruption doesn’t knock – it arrives, often unannounced.” He urged finance leaders to reimagine how organisations are built and led, asking: Are we fostering innovation? Are we driving disruption, rather than reacting to it?

Building on the theme of transformation, Antoinette Kwofie, FCMA, CGMA, CFO at MTN Ghana, spotlighted Africa’s leadership in mobile payments and financial inclusion. “Africa is a leader in the financial innovation realm – it is not lagging, it is leading,” she said, highlighting the transformative impact of platforms like M-Pesa and MTN Mobile Money.

The conversation then shifted to the impact of AI on the profession. Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at AICPA and CIMA, emphasised the enduring value of power skills and the evolving role of finance professionals as strategic business partners. He called on finance leaders and their teams to drive effective AI adoption to unlock long-term value across organisations.

Continuing the discussion, Simon Bittlestone, FCMA, CGMA, Immediate CIMA Past President and Immediate Past Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the global alliance formed by AICPA and CIMA addressed common misconceptions about AI. He encouraged finance professionals to embrace its potential to drive greater efficiency and effectiveness, positioning it as a catalyst for transformation for the finance profession. 

Turning to sustainability, Joshua Amponsem, Climate Philanthropy Co-Director and Founder of the Green Africa Youth Organization, addressed the urgent need for green finance solutions tailored to Africa’s unique context. He emphasised the sector’s responsibility to drive policy change and support informal economies and local communities.

AICPA and CIMA’s leaders reflect on the conference’s growing impact 

Tariro Mutizwa, FCMA, CGMA, Vice President – Africa, said: “ENGAGE Africa 2025 was more than an event, it was a catalyst for action. The conversations we had, the connections we made, and the ideas we exchanged will continue to shape the future of finance across the continent. We are excited to build on this momentum in Cape Town next year, with an even bolder programme designed to empower Africa’s finance leaders.”

Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting, echoed this sentiment: “The ENGAGE Africa Conference continues to grow in scale and impact each year. It was a privilege to welcome our members from across the continent and beyond to connect, learn, and lead. The conversations sparked here are designed to inspire finance professionals to thrive in their roles and contribute meaningfully to their organisations, and by extension, their national economies. We are already looking forward to continuing this momentum in Cape Town next year, with even more dynamic dialogue, collaboration, and community.”

Following the resounding success of this year’s event in Johannesburg, AICPA and CIMA have announced that the next ENGAGE Africa Conference will take place in Cape Town from 28 to 30 October 2026.