The 8th Congress of UEMOA Chartered Accountants opened on 21 October 2026 at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. Organized by the Order of Chartered Accountants and Certified Accountants of Benin, also known as OECCA-Benin, the event brings together regional professionals to examine the evolution of the accounting sector. Participants at the Palais des Congrès are scheduled to discuss ethics and the integration of artificial intelligence within the professional framework. The congress serves as a platform for accountants from across the UEMOA zone to address shifting industry standards and technological advancements. Sessions throughout the meeting will focus on the regulatory challenges facing practitioners in the region as they adapt to emerging digital tools.
Celebrating Two Decades of Service
The current congress marks the 20th anniversary of the Order of Chartered Accountants and Certified Accountants of Benin (OECCA-Benin). This milestone reflects two decades of professional development within the national accounting sector. During the opening proceedings, Serge Mensah, president of the OECCA-Benin Council, addressed the integration of new technologies while emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of human professional conduct. "Machines will produce figures faster than we do," Serge Mensah stated. "But a machine does not give its word, does not commit its signature, and does not answer for its actions."
Accounting oversight remains central to the financial health of the nation, as evidenced by recent data regarding public entities. Beninese public enterprises and offices recorded a total surplus of 292 billion CFA francs at the end of December 2025. These figures provide a baseline for the professional discussions taking place among the regional delegates attending the event.
Attendance for the 8th Congress of UEMOA Chartered Accountants includes more than 350 participants from 15 countries. These professionals are evaluating how to maintain standards of integrity while adopting digital processes. Aristide Medenou, Minister of Economy and Finance, spoke to the assembly regarding the weight of professional responsibility. "Your signature is precious, your competence has value, but your ethics, they are priceless," Aristide Medenou remarked to the attendees. The presence of these delegates from across the region signals an intent to harmonize ethical practices as they manage the financial reporting for both public and private sector clients.
