Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Africa's economies. They account for the vast majority of businesses, create millions of jobs, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to economic growth and resilience. Yet many SMEs continue to face challenges in accessing finance, strengthening governance, navigating an evolving regulatory environment, and building sustainable businesses.

Small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs) are uniquely positioned to help unlock the potential of SMEs. Beyond providing traditional accounting and audit services, SMPs serve as trusted business advisers, supporting SMEs with financial management, sustainability reporting, governance, digital transformation, taxation, business resilience, and access to finance.

As the needs of SMEs continue to evolve, it is essential that SMPs remain informed of emerging developments in international standards and that Africa's perspectives are reflected in the global standard-setting process. The active participation of SMPs in consultations with the International Standard Setters (ISS), including the IAASB, IESBA and the IFRS Foundation, is critical to ensuring that future standards are practical, proportionate and responsive to the realities faced by practitioners and businesses across Africa.

To support this objective, the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) will host the Inaugural PAFA Africa Conference for SMPs & SMEs, a virtual conference to be held from 28–31 July 2026 under the theme:

Empowering SMPs and SMEs for Sustainable Growth, Trust, and Transformation in Africa

The conference will provide practical insights on key topics including:

The revised IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard.

ISA for Less Complex Entities (ISA for LCE).

Ethics, quality management and sustainability.

Digital transformation and the future of SMPs.

AML and economic crime.

Institutional strengthening of PAOs to better support SMPs.

Africa's engagement in global standard setting and opportunities to influence future international standards.

Practical resources available to support SMPs and SMEs.

We kindly request your support in ensuring the success of this important initiative by:

Circulating the attached conference flyer widely among your members, particularly small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs).

Encouraging SMEs, business owners and finance leaders to participate in the sessions most relevant to their businesses.

Sharing the invitation with regulators, business associations, development partners, financial institutions, academia and other stakeholders that support the SME ecosystem.

Together, we can strengthen Africa's SMP community, enhance support for SMEs, and ensure that Africa continues to play an active role in shaping the future of international standards.

Click here to register for the Inaugural PAFA Africa Conference for SMPs & SMEs | 28 -31 July 2026 

Thank you foryour continued partnership and support. We look forward to welcoming your members and stakeholders to the conference.