Unveiling the 7th Annual CFO Africa: A Showcase of Financial Leadership and Innovation
The 7th Annual CFO Africa event was a dynamic gathering of financial leaders, industry experts, and innovative thinkers. Held over two days, this year’s event focused on the expanding roles of CFOs in forecasting, planning, and strategic decision-making, highlighting the importance of technological advancements in driving business innovation.
The event, approved with 12 CPD hours for full attendance and 5 CPD hours for the workshop by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants (CIBA), attracted top professionals from across the continent. Delegates also received a complimentary 1-year membership to the CFO Club.
CIBA’s Role in the Event
As a supporting partner, CIBA was actively involved. Our Chief Executive Officer, Nicolaas van Wyk, delivered an insightful session on the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the global standardization of CFO skills led by the European Union. He discussed the importance of adopting these standards to enhance the quality and consistency of financial information worldwide, benefiting businesses and stakeholders alike.
Nicolaas emphasized CIBA’s role in supporting CFOs and finance professionals through education, resources, and a strong professional network.
The International CFO Alliance – Making a Global Impact
The Chair of CIBA’s Board of Directors, Pieter de Jager, who also serves as the Executive Chair & General Secretary of the International CFO Alliance (ICFOA) and CFO of Tanga Cement PLC, delivered a compelling session on the new era of financial leadership. Pieter highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration and sharing best practices among CFOs globally.
Key Initiatives and Strategic Planning: Pieter detailed key initiatives undertaken by the ICFOA, emphasizing strategic planning that aligns with global financial trends. He spoke about the importance of advocating for CFOs, ensuring they have a strong voice in international financial policy discussions.
Advocacy and Representation: Pieter stressed the role of the ICFOA in advocating for CFOs on the global stage, representing their interests in key financial and regulatory discussions. He emphasized the importance of having a unified body to address the challenges faced by CFOs worldwide and to push for policies that support their professional growth and impact.
Key Highlights
- Dr. Suresh Kana’s Session: Dr. Kana discussed new developments around IFRS S1 and S2, focusing on sustainability-related disclosures.
- Nicolaas van Wyk: Chair of the ICFOA Working Group on CFO Certification and CEO of CIBA, provided an overview of the collaborative efforts with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
- Raisibe Morathi on ESG and Sustainability: Vodacom’s Group CFO, Raisibe Morathi, talked about aligning financial goals with environmental and social responsibilities.
- Regulatory Challenges with Bongi Ngoma: The Head of Audit at the Auditor-General of South Africa, Bongi Ngoma, provided practical advice on staying compliant amidst evolving regulations.
- Driving Business Reinvention: Kampamba Mulenga, CFO of First National Bank, Zambia, emphasized the need for a startup mindset to drive business reinvention.
- Steering Digital Transformation: Stevens Mwanje from Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) discussed accelerating finance transformation through digitalization.
Networking and New Connections
The event was also a great networking opportunity. Our CFO Club signed up several new CFOs, welcoming them into our network of forward-thinking financial leaders. We received many designation applications, highlighting CIBA’s value within the industry.
Looking Ahead
The 7th Annual CFO Africa highlighted the expanding roles of CFOs and the need for skills in financial competence, strategic decision-making, and risk management. The insights shared will help finance leaders navigate modern business landscapes more effectively.
We look forward to the continued success and growth of our members, empowered by the knowledge and connections gained from such events. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with CIBA as we continue to champion excellence in business accounting and financial leadership.
Join Us Next Year
As we reflect on this year’s event, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you to the next edition, which promises to be an even greater highlight in your 2024 calendar!
Thank you to all our members who participated and made this event a success. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of financial leadership together!