ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS & REPORTERS
Media Release
For immediate release
Monday, 08 September 2025
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is proud to announce its selection as the official host of the African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA) Annual Conference in 2026. This marks a historic milestone as it will be the first conference hosted by UJ’s Department of Commercial Accounting. The announcement reaffirms UJ’s growing influence as a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and thought leadership on the African continent.
The AAFA Conference is one of the most respected gatherings of scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders in the fields of accounting and finance. It will bring together hundreds of delegates from across Africa and beyond, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, groundbreaking research, and collaboration to address pressing economic and financial challenges.
Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ, said to be chosen to host the AAFA 2026 Conference is a proud moment for UJ and a recognition of the university’s commitment to Africa-focused scholarship. “This platform will allow us to showcase our leadership in accounting and finance education and foster dialogue that drives real impact for communities across our continent. At UJ, we are committed to co-creating knowledge that is not only academically rigorous but also socially impactful. This platform will allow us to amplify African voices in global debates and to shape solutions that are both innovative and home-grown.”
Prof. Tankiso Moloi, Executive Dean of the College of Business and Economics, said hosting the 2026 AAFA Conference is both an honour and a responsibility. He highlighted the collective contributions of the university’s leadership team and partners, starting with Prof Mpedi and the entire management team. He singled out Prof. Ben Marx, Director of the School of Accounting, Ms. Boitumelo Kuzwayo, Head of the Department of Commercial Accounting, and Ms. Lulama Boyce, Senior Lecturer.
Prof Moloi said the confidence shown in UJ is a testament to the university’s ability to convene critical conversations in the profession and foster collaboration for sustainable African solutions. Echoing Prof Mpedi’s statements, Prof Moloi described the event as a historic milestone for the Department as it prepares to host its first international conference. He also emphasised the importance of inspiring the next generation of African scholars and professionals through dialogue and innovation.
Dr. Sedzani Musundwa, Senior Lecturer at UNISA and AAFA Southern Africa Region Representative (2023 – 2025), stressed the role of academics in bridging research, practice, and societal needs, noting the transformative opportunities that AAFA 2026 will bring UJ’s selection as host institution underscores its standing as one of Africa’s leading higher education institutions, known for driving Africa-focused research, capacity building, and international collaboration.
Further details about the 2026 AAFA Conference, including dates, themes, and speaker line-up, will be announced in due course.
Ends.
Media Enquiries:
Masego Panyane
Media Liaison
masegop@uj.ac.za
011 559 1571
084 067 7528
