About EACOA 2026
Driving Sustainability through Innovation in the Accounting Profession
Welcome to EACOA 2026
The upcoming 5th East African Congress of Accountants (EACOA) promises to be a milestone event, from 22 to 24 April 2026 in Bujumbura, commercial capital of Burundi, one of the EAC's member states.
This 5th EACOA will gather over 1,500 delegates under the theme "Driving Sustainability through Innovation in the Accounting Profession", that emphasizes the critical role of accountants in targeting the economic growth across the East African Community (EAC). It highlights the profession's transformative potentials in aligning innovation and sustainability with the region's unique priorities.
EACOA History
2016 - 1st EACOA
Arusha, Tanzania (hosted by NBAA)2018 - 2nd EACOA
Mombasa, Kenya (hosted by ICPAK)2021 - 3rd EACOA
Entebbe, Uganda (hosted by ICPAU)2024 - 4th EACOA
Kigali, Rwanda (hosted by ICPAR)2026 - 5th EACOA
Bujumbura, Burundi (hosted by OPC)Congress Objectives
Building bridges for collaboration and sustainable development across East Africa
Since a congress is a captivating moment for the East African accounting community, for collaboration, to facilitate the sharing and learning among congress participants, the 5th EACOA will also be a vital platform, a strategic and wonderful way to strengthen accounting practices to drive a sustainable development across the region.
- Foster Collaboration: Facilitate sharing and learning among congress participants
- Strengthen Practices: Enhance accounting practices across the region
- Drive Innovation: Explore technological advancements in accounting
- Promote Ethics: Build trust through transparent practices
- Address Challenges: Tackle key economic issues affecting the profession
- Align Priorities: Connect practices with developmental goals
Thematic Areas
Five key focus areas that will shape discussions at EACOA 2026
The Impact of Sustainability Standards
in the Development of EAC Countries
Exploring how sustainability standards can drive economic growth and development across the East African Community member states.
Technological Innovation
for Sustainable Accounting Practices
Examining how emerging technologies can transform accounting practices while promoting sustainability and efficiency.
Capacity Building
for the Future Accountant
Developing skills and competencies needed for accountants to thrive in an evolving professional landscape.
Ethics and Integrity
in a Rapidly Changing Environment
Maintaining professional ethics and integrity while adapting to rapid technological and economic changes.
Public Sector Accounting Innovation
for Sustainable Development
Innovating public sector accounting practices to support transparent governance and sustainable development goals.
Congress Approach
Participatory methodologies designed for maximum engagement and impact
The Congress will employ participatory methodologies designed to encourage active engagement and dialogue on the selected topics.
Expert-Led Discussions
Experts and panelists will lead discussions on identified thematic areas, fostering deep insights and impactful conversations.
Plenary Sessions
Each session will conclude with plenary discussions, paving the way for actionable and conclusive outcomes.
Gala Dinner & Events
Formal sessions complemented by a Gala dinner and outdoor activities for informal networking and interaction.
Organizing Committees
Core organizing committee supported by sub-committees for Leisure, ICT, Logistics, Protocol, Security, and Media Relations.
Who Should Attend
EACOA 2026 brings together diverse participants from across East Africa and beyond
Government Officials
Officials from National Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies across the EAC region.
Local Government
Members of County, Regional, and Local Governments committed to public financial management.
NGOs & International Organizations
Representatives of NGOs, CSOs, and International Organizations within the region.
Regulatory Bodies
Delegates from Regulatory Bodies and Independent Commissions overseeing financial services.
Accounting Professionals
Accountants and professionals from business, industry, and financial services sectors.
Academia & Research
Academicians, researchers, and graduate students from both public and private institutions.
Financial Services
Representatives from financial services sectors including banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.
Development Partners
Professionals from Constitutional Offices and Development Partners supporting regional growth.
Organizing Institutes
EACOA is jointly organized by the five East African Community Institutes of Accountants
Host Organization
OPC - Ordre des Professionnels Comptables
Burundi
The host organization for EACOA 2026, leading the planning and execution of this milestone event in Bujumbura.
Partner Institutes
ICPAK
KenyaNBAA
TanzaniaICPAU
UgandaICPAR
RwandaThese five institutes work collaboratively to advance the accounting profession across East Africa, promoting high standards, professional development, and economic growth throughout the region.
Be Part of This Historic Event
Join us in Bujumbura for three days of learning, networking, and innovation. Together, we'll drive sustainability through innovation in the accounting profession.