Hon. Henry Musasizi (fourth from right) delivered the Keynote Address at the Annual Conference of the African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA)
September 2–4, 2025-, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) successfully hosted the 14th Annual Conference of the African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA) Speke Resort Munyonyo. Held under the theme “The Role of Accounting and Finance in Building a Sustainable Society,” the event attracted a diverse group of scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Chief Hajia Zuwairat Talatu Kishimi, President of ANAN University, Nigeria (4th from the right), attended the AAFA Conference
The AAFA Conference is widely recognized as one of the continent’s most prestigious forums for thought leadership in accounting and finance. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and collaboration around emerging economic and financial issues affecting the region. This marks the second time MUBS has hosted the AAFA Conference, an achievement that reinforces its reputation as one of Africa’s leading business schools. The institution continues to champion Africa-focused research, capacity building, and international collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, MUBS Principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi welcomed delegates and expressed pride in the School’s continued leadership role within the profession. “You are here because of your commitment to advancing your careers in finance and accounting in Africa. As accountants, the world is in your hands. You have the power to use your numbers not just to report performance, but to drive accountability, especially around ESG issues,” he remarked.
“We need governance models that support the sustainability of SMEs, solutions to Africa’s revenue mobilization challenges, and homegrown financial technologies,especially in the extractive industries
Prof. Muhwezi emphasized that sustainable development must be rooted in knowledge that is generated, owned, and applied within Africa. “We need African-oriented knowledge to solve African challenges. Africa needs answers. We must bridge the gap between knowledge production and utilization.
Delivering a keynote address, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties) 2011, called attention to a pressing challenge on the continent: “Over 70% of Africa’s workforce remains in the informal sector, beyond the reach of taxation and social protection. This limits domestic resource mobilization and perpetuates inequality. In this context, sustainability is not optional, it is a necessity.” Hon. Musasizi also highlighted the strategic role of financial professionals in shaping Africa’s future. “Accounting and finance professionals are not just record keepers, they are custodians of trust, enablers of resource mobilization, and guardians of transparency.”
Representing Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Godfrey Akileng delivered a compelling call for researchers to focus their work on Africa’s development priorities. “We need governance models that support the sustainability of SMEs, solutions to Africa’s revenue mobilization challenges, and homegrown financial technologies, especially in the extractive industries,” Prof. Nawangwe stated. He further challenged delegates to explore innovative financing for climate change responses and emphasized the importance of joint publications, curriculum reform, and regional collaborations.
Delegates of the 14th African Accounting and Finance Association Conference pose for a group photograph
International scholars added depth to the academic program. Prof. Robert Faff, delivering a Keynote Address titled “Responsible Science Matters,” stressed the power of research-driven collaboration. “Conferences like this are more than academic gatherings, they are opportunities to build relationships, forge new partnerships, and exchange transformative ideas. Research is ultimately about creating actionable knowledge.” Prof. Matt Bamber from the Schulich School of Business, York University, challenged participants to rethink assumptions in his session, “Asking Questions and Getting Answers: It can not be that simple, can It?” His thought-provoking presentation called on delegates to embrace critical inquiry and innovation.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Stephen Nkundabanyanga, President of AAFA, thanked MUBS for its continued support and hospitality, and expressed appreciation to all sponsors, emphasizing the value of the ongoing partnership.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) was selected to host the 2026 African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA) Annual Conference! This milestone event will be the first international conference organized by UJ’s Department of Commercial Accounting, highlighting the University’s rising leadership and influence in the field across Africa. The exciting announcement was made during the 14th AAFA Conference Annual General Meeting held in Kampala, Uganda.