Now in its third year, this is the largest annual talent survey of accountancy and finance professionals across the world. Over 10,000 individuals from 175 countries, including over 1,300 from Africa, responded to our survey on issues ranging from career ambitions, hybrid working and inclusivity practices to upskilling, mental health and employability issues.  Africa Talent Trends 2025 gives more details on findings from the region.

Many respondents see accountancy as a gateway for entrepreneurial ambitions and skills. With 80% of respondents in Africa saying they have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, it’s clear that many see accountancy as a natural springboard to eventually running their own businesses in the future.  This could also be good news for employers - there’s a growing need for accountants to use their entrepreneurial mindsets in many finance and business job roles where skills such as commerciality and innovation are prized attributes.

Jamil Ampomah, Director – Africa at ACCA said: ‘Africa respondents provided defining views on the ways accountants work, with around 30% of all countries taking part in our global survey being from the continent. Africa’s survey findings reveal a growing interest in entrepreneurship – with ‘side hustles’ becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, AI skills remain a top priority, along with the need to strengthen diversity initiatives.’

This year’s emerging key themes from Africa are as follows:

1. 80% see accountancy as a springboard to running their own businesses. This entrepreneurial mindset is highly valued by employers.
2. Demand for sustainability-related careers is flying high with 75% interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues. Globally 48% of wider leadership roles below board level and 35% of middle management roles in finance currently include sustainability responsibilities.
3. Employability confidence is high with 77% expecting to move roles in the next two years and 65% expecting their next career role to be outside their current organisation – a retention challenge for employers.
4. Over 80% want hybrid working arrangements, yet 69% of respondents are still working in the office full time.
5. The recognition of older employees tops the list of diversity concerns, with 39% saying their organisation focuses more on certain aspects of diversity than others.
6. The cost-of-living crisis continues to top our ‘workplace fear’ index with 56% of respondents expecting a pay rise.
7. 39% of respondents are concerned they’re not developing the skills required for the future workplace and only 27% say their organisation is providing opportunities to learn AI-related skills.
8. Mental health indicators are improving slightly compared to previous years data but remain challenging with 49% of respondents agreeing their mental health suffers due to work pressures
9. The ‘side hustle’ is on the rise. 49% across all generations suggest they’re now engaged in additional employment to their main jobs – another challenge for employers in terms of engagement and retention.
10. Accountancy remains a valued passport to global careers with 83% of Gen Z and 71% of Gen Y respondents globally citing a desire to pursue career opportunities abroad.

Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors, Technology at ACCA said: ‘Our 2025 data continues to show a workplace in transition, but one of the exciting themes emerging this year is how accountancy training can be a brilliant early career pathway for building entrepreneurial skills. There’s no doubt this in part reflects how career ambitions continue to transform at work.’

Explore our interactive global report here.

Jamil Ampomah