I was lucky enough to take an inspiring and often emotional tour of Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya at the end of last year where I enjoyed the privilege of representing ACCA members at so many memorable events. I met a lot of incredible people who are making a positive difference in the world.
We create strategies at ACCA, we set ourselves high-level goals, and by necessity we frame them in general terms. One of our global policy priorities is championing the professional accountant, where we describe the vital contribution our members make in a changed world.
In Africa I saw what that means. I met the remarkable Susan Shereni FCCA, chair of our Uganda network panel and CFO of the country’s Infectious Diseases Institute. She told me how this not-for-profit organisation has emerged as a world leader in the treatment and eradication of deadly diseases, and how it trains the next generation of medical professionals to build the country’s healthcare system. Talk about a profession with purpose.
I also met Ebrima Sawaneh FCCA from The Gambia, a CFO who also leads a foundation providing educational support and scholarships for youngsters who would otherwise have no chance of a professional career. He presented me with his book Purposeful Education: My Bet Against Poverty, and inside the cover he had written a simple message that means so much: ‘Thank you, ACCA.’ Ebrima knows that ACCA transformed his life – and he is determined that more people will get the same opportunity.
It’s been an inspiring start to my term as president
I am delighted to say that Ebrima was also named ACCA Africa’s CFO of the Year at a ceremony in Mombasa, Kenya. In accepting the award, he gave an emotional speech describing ACCA’s power to change the world and to change lives. It moved me to tears, and many other people too.
In future, whenever we are talking about championing the professional accountant, I will be thinking of Susan and Ebrima, and countless other colleagues all around the world who are doing the same in their own quiet, selfless way. It’s been an inspiring start to my term as president, buoying me up as we enter a new year.
