Fintech and Beyond

  As a follow-up to my article,  "Unlocking Global Opportunities: How African Chartered Accountants Can Lead the Remote Work Revolution For Europe and America" , I want to address a recurring theme that emerged in the responses I received. Many professionals reached out after the publication, asking for specific recommendations on areas of professional development and certifications that can help them remain competitive in the rapidly evolving accounting and finance landscape. Read the article here In that article, I explored how African Chartered Accountants could harness their expertise and leverage remote work opportunities to lead in global markets. Building on those ideas, this follow-up delves deeper into the technical directions, tools, and certifications that can equip professionals to thrive in an AI-driven world. By mastering advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and automation, accounting and fin...

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed how businesses operate, with its impact now firmly rooted in the workforce. AI-powered tools are steadily replacing tasks traditionally handled by virtual employees, fundamentally reshaping the future of work. This shift, coupled with the push by big tech companies to bring employees back to the office, is raising questions about the true motivations behind these changes—and the growing role of AI in modern workplaces. AI’s Role in Replacing Virtual Work Virtual employees have long been at the forefront of remote work, managing administrative duties, customer interactions, and other task-oriented roles. However, AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotic process automation are rapidly overtaking these functions. AI chatbots handle customer service inquiries more efficiently, while AI-driven tools streamline data entry, scheduling, and project management with little to no hu...

This article is a follow-up to my previous piece,  Trump and Musk’s America: A Billionaire-Led Revolution and Africa’s Defining Moment , where I explored the shifting dynamics of American leadership and its impact on Africa. With the increasing privatization of global influence and the decline of traditional institutions like USAID, Africa faces a critical turning point. For decades, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a dominant force in global development, particularly in Africa. Through billions of dollars in aid, humanitarian assistance, and economic development programs, USAID has played a key role in shaping policies, funding critical infrastructure, and supporting democracy-building initiatives across the continent. However, with recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy, reduced political will, and global financial constraints, the agency is experiencing a significant decline. But what does the "death" of USAID really mean for Africa? Th...

This article follows up on my previous piece,  “Small Firm, Big Standards: Cracking the Code of ISQM 1 for Small and Medium Practices (SMPs).”  In that article, I explored practical strategies for implementing the International Standard on Quality Management 1 (ISQM 1) in SMPs. Today, I’ll address a specific challenge many practitioners have asked about: how to transition effectively from the International Standard on Quality Control 1 (ISQC 1) to ISQM 1. The move from ISQC 1 to ISQM 1 represents a major shift from a compliance-based framework to a proactive, risk-based system of quality management. While this transition may seem daunting, it is an opportunity for SMPs to strengthen their quality processes, enhance efficiency, and stay ahead in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. In this article, I’ll outline actionable steps to help SMPs make the upgrade to ISQM 1 seamless and manageable, creating a tailored system of quality management that aligns with the new s...

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about dramatic changes to the way businesses and professionals operate, and the auditing profession was no exception. While the pandemic posed challenges such as remote operations, economic uncertainty, and new risks, it also became a powerful catalyst for transformation. These changes have left a lasting impact on audit quality, driving the profession toward greater efficiency, adaptability, and resilience. In this article, we explore six key transformations sparked by the pandemic that have significantly improved audit quality, redefining the profession for the better. 1. Rapid Digital Transformation in Auditing The pandemic accelerated the adoption of advanced technologies within the auditing profession. Audit firms were forced to rely on digital tools to overcome the challenges of remote work, and this technological shift brought lasting benefits to audit quality. Auditors increasingly moved away from traditional sampling methods and began leveraging d...

Introduction: The Moment Africa Has Been Waiting For Africa is at a turning point. For decades, foreign powers have exploited the continent’s vast natural resources while African nations remained dependent on foreign aid, imports, and external control. However, for the first time in modern history, all global superpowers are too distracted to focus on Africa. The United States, under Donald Trump, is focused on domestic economic protectionism, reducing foreign aid, and bringing manufacturing back home. With Elon Musk reshaping key industries from energy to technology America’s shift towards self-reliance is accelerating. Europe is struggling with economic recession, rising immigration crises, and internal political instability. China, once Africa’s dominant economic partner, is battling economic slowdowns and trade conflicts with the West. Russia is fully engaged in war, prioritizing military spending over global economic expansion. Meanwhile, some African nations especially in Francop...