Acting President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe has stressed the central role accountants play in driving Botswana’s economic progress. Speaking at the Botswana Institute of Accountants (BICA) International Conference in Gaborone, he described accountants as guardians of trust and sentinels of transparency.
He said the nation depends on accountants to ensure that public finances are managed both effectively and ethically. He noted that without unshakable ethical standards in the profession, Botswana cannot build a resilient economy.
Mr Gaolathe pointed out that accountants are in a position to determine whether procurement processes remain clean and whether funds meant for critical services like schools and clinics are used as intended. He urged them to remain vigilant and to be willing to expose wrongdoing, even when it hides in complex spreadsheets.
The Acting President called on the profession to embrace this responsibility with integrity and courage. He emphasised that ethical accounting is a cornerstone of good governance and sustainable development.
The BICA 13th International Conference, now in its 13th edition, was held under the theme “Powering Progress: Resilience in the Digital Era.” The event brought together accounting professionals to discuss the evolving role of the profession in a rapidly changing business environment, with a focus on innovation, ethics, and transparency in the digital age.
