The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) have announced that the World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) will be held in Cape Town in November 2028.
The event is organised every two years and brings together members of the accountancy profession from jurisdictions around the world.
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It is the first time in the congress’s 124-year history that the event will take place in Africa.
The announcement comes as the profession prepares for the 2026 WCOA in Seoul, South Korea, this November.
WCOA 2028 will be held alongside the IFAC’s Annual Council Meeting, in line with the 2026 Congress.
The event will include plenary sessions, expert panels and networking sessions for in-person participants.
Those expected to attend include government officials, leaders from IFAC professional accountancy organisations, multilateral and development agencies, professional services companies, regulators, representatives from business and investor groups, and standard-setters.
IFAC chief executive Lee White said: “Cape Town is a dynamic, diverse and globally connected city, an outstanding choice for WCOA 2028. This Congress will spotlight the accountancy profession’s role in driving trust, sustainability and innovation in an increasingly complex world. We are honoured to partner with SAICA to create an event that inspires our profession and equips our society for a better future.”
SAICA CEO Patricia Stock said: “Securing WCOA 2028 is both a validation of our standing as a professional body deeply committed to serving the public interest, and a powerful affirmation of South Africa’s appeal as a premier destination for global business, tourism and investment.
“Our CA(SA) designation was recently voted the #1 most trusted designation by renowned research body Edelman DxI in 2025, following similar success in 2023. Hosting this congress allows us to leverage trust to drive conversations on transparency, ethical leadership and the role of the profession in building resilient economies.”
