Ethiopia’s parliament unanimously passed a law establishing the Ethiopian Institute of Certified Public Accountants, aiming to sharpen financial skills.
The bill, cleared in the House of People’s Representatives’ 19th regular session, sets up a system to train globally certified accountants and tackle financial waste, said Desalegn Wedaje, chairman of the Planning, Budget, and Finance Standing Committee.
Presenting the measure, Desalegn argued it would protect national resources and strengthen Ethiopia’s economy through a top-tier financial framework.
Tagged as Proclamation No. 1372/2017, the law targets Ethiopia’s dependence on foreign accountants while boosting its regional economic clout.
State Finance Minister Eyob Tekalign (PhD) said the institute aligns with international and African benchmarks, paving the way for investment through homegrown talent. “We’ve leaned on experts from neighboring countries—this shifts the tide,” he told the House.
Eyob linked the initiative to the African Free Trade Zone, saying it would churn out competitive accountants and create jobs in a vital sector. He emphasized keeping the institute’s role distinct from universities to prevent overlap.
ETICPA’s role in professionalizing the accounting sector contributes to the development of capable and accountable institutions, which are essential for achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 that it supports the Agenda 2063 by enhancing financial transparency, promoting professional development, and contributing to the development of capable institutions, all of which are critical for achieving Africa’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent by 2063.