ABOUT ACOA

Congress background

Professional accountants and key stakeholders in the accountancy ecosystem from across the continent and beyond are set to unite in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, both physically and virtually from 6th to 9th May 2025.

Over 2000 delegates from more than 65 countries will come together at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC) for the 8th edition of the Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA). The Congress will be hosted by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) in partnership with Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA).
The ACOA theme: "Creating Value for Africa", encapsulates the collective commitment to harnessing the power of accountancy to drive meaningful change and prosperity across the continent.
It emphasises the imperative for professional accountants to innovate, collaborate and lead initiatives that generate sustainable economic, social and environmental value for Africa and its people.
This theme underscores the crucial role of the accountancy profession in unlocking Africa's potential and building a brighter future for all.

This unique edition of the congress will gather delegates and speakers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, providing an excellent opportunity to connect, share and expand in Africa.

Objectives

The congress aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development within the accountancy profession across the continent.
By convening professional accountants and key stakeholders in the accountancy ecosystem from diverse backgrounds, sectors and regions, ACOA aims to promote excellence in the profession, advance standards of practice and address common challenges faced by professional accountants in Africa.

Congress Approach

The congress will employ methodologies that foster engagement and dialogue on the selected topics. Experts & panelists will initiate dialogue on various thematic areas and topics, encouraging active participation from the audience.

Each plenary session will conclude with an open forum to determine actionable steps forward. Additionally, a gala dinner and outdoor activities will be organised to facilitate direct interaction beyond the structured dialogues.

HOSTS

Rwanda

Rwanda, a small landlocked country in East Africa, has undergone remarkable development since the tragic events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Through ambitious reforms and investments in infrastructure,education, healthcare, and technology, Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa's success stories in terms of economic growth and social progress.

Central to Rwanda's development narrative is its commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. The country boasts one of the highest levels of female representation in parliament globally, with women holding over 60% of seats.

This dedication to inclusivity has been instrumental in fostering a more equitable society and promoting women's participation in decision-making processes at all levels.

Tourism is another key component of Rwanda's development strategy, with the country's stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture attracting visitors from around the world.

Iconic attractions such as the Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, contribute to Rwanda's growing tourism industry and its efforts to showcase its natural beauty and heritage.

In addition to its focus on tourism, Rwanda has also implemented progressive visa policies to promote regional integration and international cooperation.
Citizens of numerous countries benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, facilitating tourism, business, and diplomatic exchanges.

Moreover, Rwanda has made significant strides in ensuring access to essential services for its citizens. The government provides free education, offering nine years of basic education to all children, and has implemented universal health coverage through initiatives like the Mutuelle de Santé, which provides affordable health insurance to the population.

Overall, Rwanda's development journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to building a more prosperous and inclusive society.

Despite facing significant challenges, the country continues to make strides in promoting economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development for its citizens.

ICPAR

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) is the professional body regulating the accounting profession in Rwanda.

Established in 2008, ICPAR promotes high professional standards and supports the development of accounting professionals.

PAFA

The Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) is the continental body representing professional accountants in Africa.

Founded in 2011, PAFA aims to develop the accountancy profession and strengthen its role in Africa’s economic development.

TRAVEL

Visa

Delegates are encouraged to arrange their travel according to their preferences. For international delegates planning to visit Rwanda, consult https://www.migration.gov.rw/ to check your visa requirements.

Important Update: As of 2nd November 2023, Rwanda has announced visa-free entry for all African nationals, eliminating the need for prior visa acquisition.

This progressive measure underscores Rwanda's commitment to fostering continental unity and facilitating seamless travel across the region.

Accommodation

Participants are responsible for their own accommodation. Kigali offers a range of hotels and guesthouses to suit various budgets.

A list of recommended accommodation can be accessed on https://tourismregulation.rw/en/entities/1/ . Early booking is recommended to secure preferred options.

Social Activities

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences.

It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains. Travelers come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent scenery.

Should you wish to engage in post-event activities, please visit https://visitrwanda.com/ .


CONGRESS FEES

REGULAR DELEGATES

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ACCOMPANYING DELEGATES

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EVENT FAQs

General FAQs

  • ACOA stands for the Africa Congress of Accountants, a major event for professional accountants and stakeholders in the accountancy ecosystem in Africa.

  • ACOA 2025 will be held from 6th – 9th May 2025, at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda.

  • The theme for ACOA 2025 is “Creating Value for Africa”.

  • The congress is hosted by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) in partnership with the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA).

  • PAFA stands for the Pan African Federation of Accountants, an organisation that represents professional accountants in Africa and promotes the accountancy profession across the continent.

  • ICPAR stands for the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda, the professional body for accountants in Rwanda, responsible for regulating and promoting the accounting profession in the country.

  • ACOA 2025 is open to professional accountants, accounting and finance professionals from various sectors, industry leaders, academics, students and stakeholders in the accountancy ecosystem from across the continent and beyond.

  • Kigali International Airport is served by several major airlines: Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, RwandAir, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways.

  • There are several hotels near the Kigali Convention Centre, catering to a range of preferences from luxury to budget accommodations. The Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre is the most conveniently located, directly adjacent to the Kigali Convention Centre. Detailed information about accommodation options can be found at https://tourismregulation.rw/en/entities/1/.

  • No, delegates are responsible for their own airport transfers. Delegates can arrange hotel shuttles when booking their accommodations or use the airport taxis available 24/7.

  • Delegates can look forward to a comprehensive programme featuring keynote speeches from industry leaders, panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions and exhibitions. The programme will cover a wide range of topics relevant to the accountancy profession in Africa.

  • In May, Kigali enters the beginning of the dry season, experiencing reduced rainfall compared to previous months. Temperatures typically range from around 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F). While rain is less frequent, occasional showers are still possible. Expect mild and relatively stable weather conditions, but it is always wise to be prepared for changes.

  • Yes, ACOA 2025 will include multiple networking opportunities, including social events, coffee breaks and dedicated networking sessions, allowing delegates to connect with peers, industry experts and potential business partners.

  • Details about pre-congress workshops or seminars will be provided in the near future. These sessions often offer additional learning and networking opportunities for early arrivals.

  • For more information about ACOA 2025, please contact acoa@icparwanda.com
    or    call +250 788 365 909   / +250 788 677 707   / +250 788 848 795.

Registration FAQS

  • The registration fees for ACOA 2025 are as follows:
    Fee for all delegates – USD 700
    Fee for accompanying persons – USD 350

    Early payment discount
    15% if registered and paid by 30 September 2024
    10% if registered and paid by 31 December 2024

    Cancellation
    60 days before the event – 75% refund
    30 days before the event – 50% refund

  • You can register for ACOA 2025 by visiting https://imis.icparwanda.com/#/event-acoa/247 , completing the online registration form and paying the required fee.

Partnerships FAQS

  • Interested parties can become sponsors or exhibitors by contacting the ACOA 2025 at acoa@icparwanda.com . Detailed information about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, including packages and benefits, will be available soon.

  • Sponsors and exhibitors receive various benefits, such as brand visibility, speaking opportunities, exhibition space and access to networking events. Specific benefits depend on the selected sponsorship package.