Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube is expected to headline the Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGAIZ) annual conference in Boksburg, South Africa, next week, where governance will take centre stage as a driver of economic recovery and sustainable development.
The conference, running under the theme “Better Governance, Better Future,” will bring together governance and accountancy professionals to examine how stronger institutions, ethical leadership, transparency and effective risk management can support economic development.
Prof Ncube, who will be the guest of honour, is expected to address the role of governance and accountancy professionals in driving economic development.
The conference comes amid growing calls for greater corporate transparency and accountability across the region, with CGAIZ using the gathering to broaden discussions on governance beyond Zimbabwe.
CGAIZ acting chief executive officer Ms Tracy Mushonga said good governance should be viewed as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and public trust rather than merely a compliance requirement.
“In a rapidly changing economic environment, good governance is not merely a compliance issue but the bedrock of sustainable growth and public trust,” she said.
“This year’s theme, ‘Better Governance, Better Future,’ is a call to action for every professional in our field. We must lead the charge in fostering ethical leadership, robust risk management and transparent reporting to secure a prosperous future for Zimbabwe and the continent.”
Ms Mushonga said holding the conference in South Africa reflected the increasingly regional nature of governance challenges confronting organisations.
“By meeting in South Africa, we are emphasising the cross-border nature of modern governance challenges,” she said.
“Our delegates will leave with actionable insights to implement in their own organisations, from the boardroom to the audit committee.”
The conference will open with a welcome address by Ms Mushonga, followed by a presidential address by CGAIZ president Tendayi Kanjanda, who will focus on governance as a catalyst for economic recovery.
Prof Ncube will then address delegates on the contribution of governance and accountancy professionals to economic development.
Other sessions will include a panel discussion on risk management and compliance in parastatals, a presentation on board governance in the digital era and discussions on the future of work and talent development.
Ms Mushonga said the programme had been designed to combine strategic discussions with practical skills that professionals could apply in their organisations.
“We have curated a programme that balances thought leadership with practical skill-building,” she said.
“Every session is designed to empower our members to drive meaningful change in their organisations and communities.”
The conference will also examine emerging governance challenges linked to environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside issues of compliance and institutional resilience.
