NEW YORK - The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), in collaboration with the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) and Ordre National des Experts Comptables (ONEC) Algeria, opened IFAC Connect Africa 2026, a high-level gathering of leaders from across Africa and the global accountancy profession focused on advancing trust, accountability, and strong institutions.
IFAC Connect Africa brought together representatives of professional accountancy organizations, regulators, standard setters, international organizations, government institutions, and business leaders to explore the profession's role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Africa and the world under the theme Trust, Accountability, and Strong Institutions: Africa and the Global Profession.
"Strong institutions are fundamental to sustainable economic development, public trust, and resilient societies," said Lee White, Chief Executive Officer of IFAC. "Across Africa, professional accountancy organizations, regulators, standard setters, and regional institutions are advancing important work to strengthen accountability and transparency. By convening these voices, IFAC Connect creates opportunities to learn from one another, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate progress on issues that matter to the profession, policymakers, and the public."
Bridging perspectives on the role of strong institutions in supporting sustainable growth and public confidence, the event [will] open with remarks from IFAC President Jean Bouquot, PAFA President Walid Ben Salah, and Pr. Mayatta Ndiaye MBAYE, Permanent Secretary of Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), alongside senior representatives from the Government of Algeria. The program also featured speakers and experts from the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, the IFRS Foundation, the Public Interest Oversight Board, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, the African Development Bank, and professional accountancy organizations from across Africa.
The International Federation of Francophone Accountants (Federation Internationale des Experts-Comptables Francophone, or FIDEF) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) participated, reflecting the depth of collaboration across the accountancy profession and regional institutions.
IFAC, PAFA, FIDEF, and OHADA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening coordination, cooperation, and knowledge sharing in support of high-quality financial reporting, auditing, professional standards, and capacity development across Africa and the Francophone world.
“IFAC Connect Africa reflects the growing influence and leadership of the African profession in shaping global conversations on accountability, governance, reporting, and trust," said Walid Ben Salah, President of PAFA. "By bringing together diverse voices from across the continent and beyond, we can identify practical actions that strengthen institutions and support sustainable development."
"Africa has an important role to play in shaping the future of the global accountancy profession," said Abdelkrim Bouhouche, President of ONEC Algeria. "By hosting IFAC Connect Africa, we are creating a platform for meaningful dialogue on trust, accountability, and institutional strength while showcasing the expertise, innovation, and leadership that exist across the continent. We are proud to welcome participants from Africa and around the world to Algeria for these important discussions."
IFAC Connect Africa 2026 concluded with a collaborative discussion on priorities for the profession over the next three to five years and opportunities for continued partnership between IFAC, PAFA, and African institutions.
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