MGI Africa Regional Conference 2024: A Celebration of Success and Insightful Discussions
The MGI Africa Regional Conference, held on 22-23 November 2024 at the Pivot Hotel in Montecasino, Johannesburg, welcomed 46 delegates representing 13 countries, including Congo (DRC), South Africa, Mauritius, Cameroon, Portugal, United Kingdom, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Technology & Automation
Under the theme, “Upcoming Trends & Challenges: Leveraging Technology and Automation”, the event served as a powerful platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. A special mention and sincere thanks to XERO, whose sponsorship significantly contributed to the success of this event.
Over two days, delegates engaged in vibrant discussions and explored how emerging technologies and automation are reshaping the accounting profession across Africa. The meeting began with warm welcomes from Daddy Nkuvu, Chairman of MGI Africa, and Tshegofatso Mahuma, CEO of MGI RAS, setting a collaborative and dynamic tone.
Distinguished speakers
Highlights from the meeting included the keynote address by Alta Prinsloo, CEO of the Pan African Federation of Accountants, who alongside distinguished panellists Harpal Singh, Principal at IFAC, and Kerryn Kohl, Managing Director at Life Online, delved into critical technological advancements impacting the profession. This was complemented by engaging sessions on cloud-based ecosystems, AI, and the role of accountants, led by experts like Sue Van de Valk, Partner MGI Bass Gordon and Portia Tsakane Mkhabela, Cluster Head for ACCA Southern Africa.
Practical insights and discussion
Day two brought hands-on advice from Kevin Hogan from Investec in his captivating session on cybersecurity, followed by a member-led panel discussion on future-focused strategies titled “How Do We Prepare for the Future?”
This engaging session, moderated by Chipo Mashava, Associate IT Director of MGI RAS, brought together an impressive panel of leaders from across the network, including Charles Obeng (MGI OAK, Ghana), Florence Mchiana (Cassian & Associates, Tanzania), Sue Van de Valk (MGI Bass Gordon, South Africa), and Tracey Wickens (MGI Midgley Snelling, United Kingdom).
Panellists shared real-life examples of how these technologies have helped streamline operations, improve client service delivery, and future-proof their firms in an increasingly competitive landscape. Panellists also underscored the importance of collaboration within the MGI Worldwide network to share insights and best practices, ensuring all members stay ahead of the curve.
After the coffee break, Patricia Stock, CEO, SAICA gave a Pecha Kucha style presentation on accountants as catalysts for Africa’s sustainable transformation, giving the delegates much food for thought.
Opportunities to learn and connect
The diversity of delegates enriched the discussions, offering unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in their respective countries. These sessions we hope, not only deepened delegates’ understanding of the state of the profession but also equipped them with some ideas for leveraging technology and addressing future challenges.
The event concluded with a memorable excursion to the Lion & Safari Park, where delegates had the opportunity to strengthen connections in a relaxed and breathtaking natural setting.’
