ADDIS ABABA – Professional associations of accountants and auditors have called for stronger government cooperation to meet the rising demand for certified experts in Ethiopia’s growing financial sector.
The Ethiopian Professional Association of Accountants and Auditors, the Association of External Auditors, and the Accounting Society of Ethiopia jointly addressed journalists on the need to increase the number of internationally certified professionals.
They emphasized that while market demand is expanding, driven by foreign investment and the newly launched stock exchange, the number of qualified professionals remains inadequate.
Ethiopian Professional Association of Accountants and Auditors Chairperson Yohannes Nigatu said that Ethiopia currently has only around 500 internationally certified auditors, a figure far lower than other economies of similar or smaller size.
“Without sufficient professionals, transparency in economic transactions and accountability will be difficult to ensure,” he warned.
Accounting Society of Ethiopia President Getinet Haile also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between government institutions and professional associations.
“We have been serving the business community with limited manpower. As the economy expands and the government intensifies its efforts to combat tax fraud and financial misconduct, support for the profession is more critical than ever,” he stressed.
The associations called on policymakers to strengthen capacity-building initiatives, facilitate professional training, and promote international certification to ensure that the country’s financial infrastructure can keep pace with economic growth.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2025
