Regional professionals from across the accountancy and finance sectors gathered to explore the evolving dynamics of their industry at the 14th Annual ICPAR Training Conference held at Club House La Palisse in Gashora, Bugesera.
Under the theme “Repositioning the Accountancy Profession for Resilience, Relevance, and Impact,” the event provided a platform for experts to share insights on the future of the profession and the skills required to navigate a changing economic landscape.
Amin Miramago, CEO of ICPAR, opened the conference by emphasizing the critical role of collaboration in strengthening the credibility and impact of the accountancy profession across East Africa.
“Our profession’s future is intertwined with our ability to work together as regional partners. Strong collaboration is key to our resilience,” Miramago said. He further emphasised the importance of continuous professional development and innovation in maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving global market.
ICPAR President, FCPA Obadiah R. Biraro, followed with a call for greater engagement and knowledge-sharing within the profession. “This conference serves as a vital space for the exchange of ideas and a reminder of our collective commitment to excellence,” Biraro remarked.
He noted that the profession must stay ahead of emerging trends such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, which is becoming an increasingly important area for accountants to master.
A key highlight of the conference came from Dennis Karera, Vice President of the East African Business Council and Chairman of Savannah Creek, a real estate development company. Drawing from his diverse experience, Karera shared invaluable insights on overcoming fear and taking calculated risks in business.
“The greatest challenge we face is not the competition or the market—it’s the fear inside us. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown,” Karera said.
He encouraged delegates to face these fears head-on and take bold steps in their professional journeys. “The key to success is not just having the right vision, but the courage to act on it, despite the risks.”
Karera also discussed the importance of strategic planning and financial discipline. “Numbers don’t lie,” he stated. “In business, if your numbers aren’t telling the right story, then you’re not on the right track.”
He emphasized the significance of finding the right partners, saying, “Your partners will either make or break you. It’s not just about capital; it’s about alignment in values and vision.”
The event proved that the commitment to professional development and excellence remains strong within Rwanda and the wider East African region.
The insights shared illustrated the need for resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight to navigate the future of the accountancy profession.
