History

The Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA) was inaugurated on the 10th August 1982 in Lagos, Nigeria by Mr. Gordon H. Cowperthwaite, then President of the International Federation of Accountants (IF AC), as a sub-regional organization of IFAC in West Africa. Also present at the inauguration was Mr. Robert Sempier, then Executive Director of IFAC, amongst other dignitaries. The headquarters of ABWA was at that time located at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (lCAN) Secretariat in Lagos, Nigeria, until May 2002 when it was moved to the ICAN building in Abuja.

ABWA was established in 1982 by Accountancy Bodies and Professional Accountants operating in the West Africa sub-region, it was not registered in Nigeria as a body corporate until 1994. Its registration means that as a body corporate, it has perpetual succession, can own property and could sue and be sued in its corporate name.

The individual members who constitute the ten Institutes currently represented in ABWA reside largely in West Africa, but these professional accountants and auditors have excelled in many other countries in Africa and in a number of International organisations beyond Africa. 'The ABWA's international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership and the advisory role it plays in the programmes of the International

The vision of ABWA is defined as:
"To be the premier association of Accountancy Bodies in Africa by:
• Having a technically competent and appropriate membership and secretariat.
• Providing services to the highest professional standards to industries, commerce and the public sector.
• Being recognised for highest standards of competency, integrity and excellence.
• Providing the best and cost effective services to members, students and other stakeholders at all times.
• Being an authoritative body in accountancy and financial matters in the sub region."

Mission Statement
"To be the premier Association of Accountancy Bodies in Africa accepted as an authoritative body in accountancy and financial matters, satisfying the expectations of members, students and stakeholders, providing a full range of cost efficient and high quality world class services on a regional basis, through the recognition of its members highest standards of competence, integrity and excellence"

Objectives

The objectives of ABWA are:
• To develop and enhance the accountancy profession in West Africa and thereby improve governance, eliminate waste and corruption, reduce poverty and enhance the standard of living of the peoples of the West African sub-region;

• To provide for the development of professional ethics and standards in member bodies.

• To act as the center for dissemination of information on accounting standards and development of accountancy thoughts and practices in West Africa.

The attainment of the objectives of the mission of ABWA will be achieved by focusing on key operational projects. This will ensure that ABWA is in position to effectively and efficiently operate in the global arena and to compete effectively with the other regional professional bodies.

Strategic Themes have been identified and within which ABWA will implement it’s mission.

Anglophone countries:

ABWA's official recognition by IFAC in 2003 as an IFAC's Reginal Grouping, the creation of the African Chapter of International Federation of Women Accountants (IFWA), as well as ABWA's initiative leading to the formation of the Forum of Accountants-General and Auditors-General of West Africa in 2003, are amongst the Association's major accomplishments.

Activities in West Africa

• Strengthening and consolidation of Professional Accounting and Auditing standards and practices in the sub region.
• Development of framework for harmonisation of professional and technical accounting education and practice.
• Development of uniform ethical code of conduct in members bodies.
• Regional expansion in the francophone countries.