Ethiopia launches certified accountants institute to strengthen financial sector and economic growth

Addis Ababa, December 11, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has officially launched the Ethiopian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ETiCPA), a move aimed at reinforcing the country’s financial architecture and supporting its rapidly growing economy.

The institute is designed to enhance financial expertise, establish a system for training globally certified accountants domestically, and address financial inefficiencies across the nation.

At the launch, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide highlighted the institute’s role in sustaining Ethiopia’s economic growth through robust institutions, a reliable financial system, and the development of a skilled workforce. “The institute will enhance transparency, raise public awareness, and provide decision-makers with reliable financial information—functions essential for driving economic transformation,” he said.

Minister Ahmed also noted that, previously, Ethiopian accountants had to seek certification abroad. The ETiCPA will now enable professional accreditation within the country, strengthening domestic human capital in the accounting sector.

National Bank of Ethiopia Governor Eyob Tekalign added that the institute will contribute to building a modern, transparent, and resilient economy by supporting institutions to produce standardized accounting reports aligned with international standards.

He said this advancement is expected to boost investor confidence and attract both domestic and foreign investment.

Acting Director-General of the Accounting and Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE), Fikadu Agonafer, underscored that although Ethiopia has a growing number of accounting professionals, the number of certified chartered accountants remains limited.

He said the operationalization of ETiCPA will cultivate a highly skilled and trusted workforce, further supporting the country’s economic ambitions, as reported by local news agency ENA.