MOMBASA, Kenya – Accountants across Africa have been challenged to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and big data analytics, not only to boost efficiency but also to uphold ethical standards in an increasingly digital world.
Speaking during the 5th Africa Members Convention 2025 in Mombasa, the Global President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Melanie Proffitt, said AI is transforming the accounting profession by automating repetitive tasks and enabling accountants to focus on higher-value strategic roles.
Proffitt noted that ACCA has already integrated AI into its global curriculum, ensuring learners understand both the opportunities and the associated risks — including bias, misinformation and ethical considerations.
“This explosion in digital capabilities and super-fast communications can sound daunting, but it is enormously exciting,” she said. “It opens new areas of opportunity, more chances, and more fascinating paths to pursue in our careers and lives.”
The convention brought together more than 1,000 professional accountants from across the continent under the theme “Leading an evolved profession for a changed world.”
Proffitt emphasised that digital technology is “annihilating national boundaries,” allowing people to access education, connect to global networks and run businesses anywhere regardless of their physical location.
“Anyone with a phone, tablet and internet connection can carry a university in a laptop bag or a business on a mobile phone,” she said. “Employers increasingly don’t care whether you come from New Delhi, New York or Nairobi — they hire skills.”
She added that the digital age has levelled the playing field, creating a more meritocratic business environment in which African youth with ambition and talent can thrive.
The ACCA President said Africa is poised to emerge as the world’s next major economic powerhouse, supported by stronger continental unity and initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We are closely aligned with the AU Agenda 2063,” she stated, adding that ACCA’s regional priorities support sustainable economic development across Africa.
Addressing increasing corruption cases involving accountants, Proffitt stressed that ACCA members are guided by a strict global code of ethics with integrity at its core.
“Building professional capacity collaboratively with governments, accountancy bodies and market stakeholders is essential to addressing unethical behaviour,” she said.
ACCA Regional Head of Policy and Insights Evelyn Isioye said AI continues to spark mixed emotions globally, but remains a powerful tool for transforming the profession — provided it is used responsibly.
“AI positions professional accountants as custodians of trust,” she said. “While AI can introduce errors or bias, it is the ethical judgment of human professionals that ensures accuracy and accountability.”
Isioye said AI gives organisations access to vast data insights, but it is human oversight that guarantees the reliability of reports and information generated.
Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, who also addressed the convention, highlighted the modern accountant’s role in safeguarding digital credibility, upholding ethics, and ensuring financial accuracy in an age where data drives decision-making.
He challenged accountants to protect Africa’s “digital integrity” and champion connectivity across the continent — by air, land and sea — to drive economic integration and shared growth.
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