API’s 2nd Virtual Public Financial Management (PFM) Conference: Driving the Future of Public Accountability and Governance in Africa
Key Themes at the Conference
The conference unfolded under five dynamic themes:
- AI’s Role in Reshaping Public Financial Management – This session delved into the integration of artificial intelligence, addressing the challenges and ethical considerations of introducing AI into public sector financial systems. As AI becomes an integral part of governance, the role of PFM professionals is being reshaped to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Strategic Budgeting and Public Sector Efficiency – Experts discussed innovative budgeting strategies and the power of technology in streamlining public sector operations. From waste reduction to boosting supply chain management, this theme highlighted practical solutions for modern-day financial challenges.
- Transforming Transparency Through Public Sector Accounting – As Africa continues to adopt International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), speakers shared success stories of jurisdictions excelling in this field, paving the way for other governments to follow. The evolution of IPSAS has brought a wave of reform, enhancing transparency and anti-corruption efforts.
- Audit Agility and Public Sector Performance – The role of audits is rapidly evolving, and the conference explored innovative techniques that are improving the agility and effectiveness of public sector audits. Discussions around compliance and the future of auditing pointed to a more accountable public sector across the continent.
- Green Governance: Climate Action in Public Finance – The closing theme focused on the intersection of PFM and environmental sustainability. It showcased how PFM leaders are championing climate action and driving sustainable governance practices. With an eye on the future, the discussions highlighted strategies for using fiscal policies to address the global climate crisis.
See the action plan below arising from the discussions at the conference.
API’s vision of capacitating the African public sector with ethical and competent professionals was evident throughout the conference. As public sector leaders, policymakers, and professionals connected virtually, they left with a shared sense of purpose: to shape a future where African governance is synonymous with integrity, transparency, and public value.
The conference wrapped up with key action points and a call for ongoing collaboration (See the generic action plan below for adaptation in your country). API’s drive to professionalise the public sector across Africa is not only a vision but a movement—one that aims to elevate the continent on the global stage of financial governance.
As Africa steps forward, its professionals are ready, armed with the skills, knowledge, and ethical fortitude to lead.
Expert Conference Speakers
We are indebted to the following speakers and panelists for their contribution in making the conference a spectacular success.
- Lee White
Chief Executive Officer, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) - Gherezgiher Ghebremedhin
Auditor General, Eritrea (Panel Session Chair) - Neo Hlatshwayo
Technical Director, API - Dr. Lovemore Gomera
CEO, CGAIZ, Zimbabwe - Evelyn Mwapasa
Director, PAO Development, PAFA - Fredrick Riaga
CEO, AAAG, Kenya - Prof. Rashied Small
Chairman, API Academic Advisory Committee (Panel Session Chair) - Timothy Sipho
Auditor General, Eswatini - David Watkins
Technical Advisor for Ian Carruthers, IPSASB - Darlene Nzorubara
Principal, IFAC - Papin Daniels Jr.
President, LICPA, Liberia - Prof. Philipe Lassou
AAAFA Board & API Academic Advisory Committee - Ruth Doreen Mutebe
AFIIA President (Panel Session Chair) - Modou Ceesay
Auditor General, Gambia - Josephine Mukomba
Senior Executive, AFROSAI-E - Essie Herbst
CEO, NIPA, Namibia (Panel Session Chair) - Mr. Mesfin Mezgebu
Program Officer Manager, SIDA - Dr. Nelson Maseko
Executive Director, Management and Training Board, Zimbabwe - Paul Gaye
President, GICA, Gambia - Marcel Mukeshimana
Accountant General, Rwanda & API Board Chairman - Evans Mulera
CEO, African Professionalisation Initiative – API
Action Plan for Improving Public Financial Management (PFM)
By establishing clear high leverage / impact actions, setting specific targets, and implementing practical solutions outlined below, governments can strengthen their Public Financial Management systems, driving efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the public sector.
- Action: Enhance Professionalism in PFM
- Target: Professionalize 50% of incumbent public sector accountants and auditors within five years.
- Practical Example: Governments can partner with professional accountancy organizations (PAOs), API and regulators to train and certify accountants, improving financial oversight and ethical standards in public service.
- Action: Leverage AI for Efficiency in PFM
- Target: Implement AI-driven data analytics tools in budgeting across all ministries within five years.
- Practical Example: Governments can integrate AI-powered predictive analytics to improve budget forecasting accuracy and automate routine tasks, freeing resources for strategic decision-making. This can start with training staff on use of AI using the API resources.
- Action: Adopt Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) -Build Budgets from the ground up
- Target: Conduct annual ZBB reviews for 30% of government departments by year three.
- Practical Example: ZBB forces departments to consider and justify every expense from scratch, helping reduce unnecessary spending and reallocate resources to high-impact initiatives while both remaining relevant and increasing citizen value creation.
- Action: Implement IPSAS for Transparency
- Target: Achieve 100% adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) across government entities within three years.
- Practical Example: Governments can run IPSAS training and capacity-building workshops to improve financial reporting accuracy and strengthen public trust in government spending by using the API IPSAS Micro credential/ certification.
- Action: Use Blockchain for Financial Transparency
- Target: Integrate blockchain technology into 30% of government financial transactions by year five.
- Practical Example: Blockchain provides a secure, immutable ledger for transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring accountability in public procurement and budgeting processes.
- Action: Develop Green PFM Practices
- Target: Ensure that 30% of government investments align with sustainability goals within three years.
- Practical Example: Governments can use PFM systems to track and report on investments in green technologies and infrastructure, driving both environmental and financial sustainability.
- Action: Promote Lean Management in Public Sector Operations
- Target: Reduce operational waste by 20% across key government departments within three years.
- Practical Example: Implement lean management techniques, such as process automation, to minimize resource wastage and enhance efficiency across public sector operations thereby simultaneously unlocking funds for other priority areas of development.
- Action: Enhance Audit Agility through Technology
- Target: Adopt data analytics in 70% of public audits within four years.
- Practical Example: Governments can utilize advanced data analytics to quickly identify anomalies in financial transactions, speeding up the audit process and improving the detection of inefficiencies or fraud.
- Action: Foster Cross-Departmental Budget Collaboration
- Target: Achieve integrated budgeting and resource sharing across all ministries by year five.
- Practical Example: Governments can create collaborative procurement strategies where departments pool resources, leading to more effective supply chain management and reduced costs.
- Action: Implement Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB)
- Target: Allocate 60% of public funds based on measurable outcomes within five years.
- Practical Example: Governments can tie financial resources to specific performance metrics, ensuring funds are directed to programs that demonstrate clear, measurable results in public service delivery.
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) – Register for Public Sector Professionalisation for Career Success | ✔ 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) – Register for Public Sector CPD Events – Get 12 Hours of Excellence in 12 Months | |
House 6 – Sector specific learning programmes or certifications or Micro credentials e.g. Learning Programme on performance audits for health sector commodities. | |
House 7 – PFM and AI Consulting Services: We empower the public sector and governments with cutting-edge knowledge and skills. We offer specialized consulting and in-house training designed to help you harness value in areas of your needs. Available currently is the service focused on “Effective use of PFM and AI to drive service efficiency in the public sector”.
Consult with us today to discover the future of public service! |
Benefits to Governments
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