The event, which will take place at the Kigali Convention Centre and the Kigali Marriott Hotel, marks the first time Rwanda is hosting the high-level gathering.
Organised by the Institute of Internal Auditors Rwanda (IIA Rwanda) in collaboration with AFIIA, the conference will be held under the theme 'Building Bridges, Inspiring Change.'
The summit will bring together delegates from 24 African countries, alongside international participants from the broader global internal audit community, for a week of strategic dialogue, technical training, and professional networking aimed at advancing audit practices across the continent.
Fred Twagirayezu, President of IIA Rwanda, described hosting the conference as a proud milestone for Rwanda, reflecting its commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrityâ€"values at the core of the internal audit profession.
'It's a proud milestone for a country whose IIA chapter was only registered 10 years ago. Hosting AFIIA 2025 allows peers across the continent to witness firsthand what's working well in Rwanda," he stated.
The event also aligns with the government's broader development agenda. As part of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) for 2024â€"2029, Rwanda is placing a strong emphasis on good governance and sound public financial management.
Highlighting the critical role the summit plays in advancing Rwanda's internal audit landscape, Jules Cesar Hategekimana, Rwanda's Internal Auditor General, emphasised its strategic importance.
'This conference will strengthen capacity, encourage knowledge sharing, and promote the adoption of the new Global Internal Audit Standards. It also contributes to our national Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy and builds partnerships essential for maturing our internal audit ecosystem."
In recent years, Rwanda has made significant strides in advancing the internal audit profession. Internal auditors and audit committees are now embedded within all public institutions.
The government supports professional certification, and the internal audit function is gaining recognition at executive levels, particularly within the financial sector. Other sectors are also increasingly recognising the importance of strong internal audit practices.
Richard Rutuku, CEO of IIA Rwanda, noted that Rwanda's control environment is now well-suited for the profession to thrive.
'As the profession matures, internal auditors are evolving from being mere inspectors to becoming strategic advisors. This is a journey other countries can learn from," Rutuku remarked.
The AFIIA 2025 Conference is structured around three main components. The Governance Forum, taking place on May 26 and 27, is tailored for board members and senior leaders, focusing on oversight, ethics, and strategy. Running concurrently, AFIIA University will offer technical masterclasses aimed at supporting skills development in alignment with global standards.
From May 28 to 30, the main conference will feature plenaries, breakout sessions, and expert panels covering topics such as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) assurance, digital transformation and audit automation, cyber risk and fraud resilience, and innovation in public and private sector auditing.
Beyond the training and discussions, the conference is expected to serve as a catalyst for deeper regional collaboration.
Twagirayezu revealed that Rwanda plans to sign memoranda of understanding with sister institutes, organise joint conferences, and draw lessons from more advanced chapters on the continent.
"This is how we ensure shared growth and foster cross-border professionalism,' he said.
Ruth Doreen Mutebe, Chairperson of AFIIA, emphasised the significance of the conference in building the future of internal audit in Africa.
'AFIIA 2025 will equip today's professionals to navigate tomorrow's challenges. From emerging risks to ESG, we are shaping a stronger, more accountable Africa.'
With over 1,000 delegates expected, the Kigali-hosted conference not only marks a historic moment for IIA Rwanda but also reflects the continent's growing momentum in promoting governance and professional excellence through internal auditing.
Registration is open through the official websites of IIA Rwanda and AFIIA.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
