The Accountant-General of the Federation and Chairman of the Association of Accountant-Generals of Africa, Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has charged public finance managers across the continent to embrace their evolving role as strategic leaders shaping national development. He delivered the message during his keynote address at the Africa Accountant-Generals Conference held at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana.
Speaking to a gathering of senior accounting professionals and government officials from across Africa, Dr. Ogunjimi said the era of accountants being perceived merely as bookkeepers is long gone. With the world now driven by digital innovation, data intelligence, and financial transformation, he noted that accountants play far more influential roles in governance and development.
“Accountants are leaders. Our work is not simply to balance books; it is to balance the needs of today with the dreams of tomorrow,” he declared. He emphasized that modern accountants are strategic advisors, champions of transparency, and custodians of integrity whose decisions have direct consequences on millions of citizens.
Dr. Ogunjimi stressed that public resources—whether in Cedi, Franc, Naira, or Dollar—must translate into real prosperity for the people. He highlighted the expanding responsibilities of governments’ chief accounting officers, who are now central to strategic planning, risk management, financial forecasting, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks.
He urged his colleagues across Africa to leverage data-driven insights to manage economic uncertainties, identify growth opportunities, strengthen accountability, and drive national transformation. “Accountants must remain at the forefront of financial leadership,” he said, calling on them to see themselves not just as administrators but as catalysts for economic progress.
In his goodwill remarks, renowned economist and entrepreneur, Mr. Tony Elumelu, commended Dr. Ogunjimi for convening stakeholders at a pivotal moment for the continent. Elumelu said he participated in the conference not only as a private-sector leader but as a firm believer in Africa’s untapped potential.
He underscored the importance of public–private collaboration in driving sustainable development, noting that Africa’s greatest challenge is not a lack of resources but a deficit of trust, integrity, and credibility. “Trust is built through predictability, transparency, and partnership. Trust is the currency of capital,” Elumelu said. “Excellence in public finance is not a luxury—it is a necessity.”
He called on African accountants to remain champions of digitalization and accountability as the continent works toward more resilient financial systems.
