API Transitions to Permanent Governance Structure
Governance Oversight
The new Governing Council will now serve as the permanent oversight body for the API, ensuring that the organisation remains aligned with its vision: An African public sector sustainably capacitated with competent, ethical, and influential professionals who support accountability, transparency, and good financial governance.
The members of the Governing Council include representatives from the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), the African Association of Accountants General (AAAG), the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions – English-speaking region (AFROSAI-E), and the French-speaking equivalent (CREFIAF). This collective expertise is poised to enhance API’s capacity to deliver on its mission.
The New Governing Council
The Governing Council brings together a distinguished group of leaders from key API partner organisations as follows:
- Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA):
- Alta Prinsloo, CEO, PAFA
- Verily Molatedi, CEO, Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA)
- Koniba Soma, Secretary-General, ONECCA Burkina Faso
- African Association of Accountants General (AAAG):
- Fredrick Riaga, CEO, AAAG
- Marcel Mukeshimana, Accountant General, Rwanda
- Taina Nankela, Accountant General, Namibia
- African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions – English-speaking region (AFROSAI-E):
- Meisie Nkau, CEO, AFROSAI-E
- Modou Ceesay, Auditor General, The Gambia
- Junius Kandjeke, Auditor General, Namibia
- African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions – French-speaking region (CREFIAF): To be confirmed
The formation of this council marks a new chapter for API, ensuring strong governance and strategic oversight as the organisation continues to advance its mission.
Acknowledging the Outgoing Interim Oversight Board
As the API transitions to this new governance structure, it is essential to recognize the contributions of the outgoing Interim Oversight Board (IOB) members. Under the leadership of Chairman Marcel Mukeshimana, the IOB has laid a solid foundation for the future of API. Their dedication has been instrumental in the development and implementation of high-quality Professionalisation programmes across eight countries.
The outgoing IOB members, representing various partner organisations and countries, include:
- Ms. Keneilwe Senyarelo – AFROSAI-E, Office of the Auditor General-Botswana
- Ms. Rheah Kujinga – AFROSAI-E, Office of the Auditor General-Zimbabwe
- Mr. Ahmed Isse Gutale – AFROSAI-E, Office of the Auditor General-Somalia
- Mr. George Mahembe – PAFA, Zimbabwe, Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute (CGAIZ), formerly ICSAZ
- Ms. Natashia Soopal – PAFA, South Africa, South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
- Prof. Rashied Small – PAFA, South Africa, South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) (Continues as chair of Academic Advisory Committee – AAC)
- Mr. Lawrence Semakula – AAAG, Accountant General-Uganda
- Mr. Stephen (Steve) Ojiambo – AAAG, Accountant General-Uganda (often attended on behalf of Mr. Lawrence Semakula)
- Mr. Kealeboga Molelowatladi – AAAG, Accountant General-Botswana
- Mr. Edwin Zvandasara – AAAG, Accountant General-Zimbabwe
- Mr. Leonard Mkude – AAAG, Accountant General-Tanzania
Driving Africa’s Public Sector Forward
This transition marks not just an end but a beginning—an enduring commitment to enhancing governance and fostering a new generation of professionals who will drive Africa’s public sector forward.
On behalf of the API Executive Committee, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to these members for their exemplary service and unwavering support. Their contributions have brought API closer to realizing its vision and have set a strong foundation for the work that lies ahead.
As API embarks on this new era under the guidance of the Governing Council, it remains committed to growing the capacity of public sector finance management professionals through high-quality, relevant, and future-fit learning programmes. This transition marks not just an end, but the beginning of a continued journey towards enhancing governance and fostering a new generation of professionals who will drive Africa’s public sector forward.
About The API
The African Professionalisation Initiative is an independent non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to strengthen the capacity and knowledge base of accounting and auditing professionals in the African public sector to enhance accounting and auditing service delivery to the citizens of Africa.
Our Vision: An African public sector sustainably capacitated with competent, ethical and influential professionals who support accountability, transparency and good financial governance.
Our Mission: Grow the capacity of public sector finance management professionals in the African public sector through high quality, relevant and future fit learning programmes.
The API Partner Organisations
The African Professionalisation Initiative is a partnership between the accountancy profession (represented by the Pan African Federation of Accountants (“PAFA”)), accountants general or their equivalent (African Association of Accountants General – “AAAG”)), and supreme audit institutions or courts of auditors (represented by the English (“AFROSAI-E”) and French (“CREFIAF”) language sub-groups of the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (“AFROSAI”)).
API is not a PAO
The African Professionalisation Initiative (API) operates not as a Professional Accountancy Organisation (PAO), but as a facilitator and catalyst for the professionalisation of public sector accountants and auditors. This critical role accelerates accountability and transparency within the public sector. Consequently, it increases the number of professional accountants eligible for membership in national PAOs, thereby enhancing their effectiveness. This growth strengthens the accountancy profession at the national level through the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) on the continental level, and with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) on the international level.
The API Houses / Learning Programmes
As API embarks on this exciting Professionalisation journey, it remains steadfast in its mission to grow the capacity of public sector finance management professionals through high-quality, relevant, and future-fit learning programmes. The flexible, comprehensive learning programme offers a transformative educational experience designed to be completed in 12 to 18 months, empowering professionals to achieve their goals at their own pace, anywhere, and anytime.
Please choose below the house that works for you and drop us a mail – info@professionalisation.africa
Houses (Learning Programmes) |
Careers / Jobs for API Graduates |
House 1 – Incumbents (Experienced un-professionalised accountants and auditors)-Implemented | ✔ Government Accountant ✔ Budget Analyst ✔ Financial controller ✔ Government Auditor ✔ Tax examiner ✔ Public Financial Management Consultant ✔ Non-profit Accountant ✔ Financial Analyst ✔ Grants and Contracts Manager ✔ Compliance Officer ✔ Public Sector Financial Reporting Specialist✔ Sector specific accountants, auditors, advisors e.t.c. |
House 2 – Specialisation – Ready for occupation from 2024 | |
House 3 – Students – Ready for occupation in 2025 | |
House 4 – Micro credentials – Unique Areas of need by governments: E.g. The Public Sector Ethics Certification that is available for all government accountants, auditors and other officers etc. | |
House 5 – Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Book an event here | |
House 6 – Sector specific learning programmes or certifications or Micro credentials e.g. Learning Programme on performance audits for health sector commodities. |