Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) unveiled its CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus (https://apo-opa.co/4mFtrGl) for 2026. This upgrade is designed to prepare students for the future of work and meet the growing expectations of modern finance professionals to be high-performance finance business partners capable of utilising technology and applying critical thinking skills.
The emphasis on finance business partnering and applied problem solving aligns with AICPA & CIMA’s Future of Finance 2.0 (https://apo-opa.co/3HmPrFG) research and the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3Hmnca9), which predict that combining technology and human insight will be crucial for career success in the knowledge economy and essential for future accounting and finance roles.
The upgraded syllabus enhances key competencies and behaviours such as finance business partnering, analytical thinking, and strategic planning while broadening its scope to include sustainability (e.g. green finance, environmental costing, and disclosures under IFRS S1/S2) and cutting-edge financial technologies (GenAI) content.
Stephen Flatman, M.Ed. Vice President of Education and Professional Qualifications, Management Accounting at AICPA & CIMA, commented: “With a focus on finance role simulations embedded in our Case Study exams, the CGMA Professional Qualification allows finance professionals to quickly develop and apply cognitive, digital, and technical skills needed as finance business partners. Our unique problem-solving educational approach helps them provide expert advice, support decision-making, and create value for organisations.”
Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at AICPA & CIMA, added: “This year’s update to the CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus sets it apart from traditional accounting and finance education, which still focuses heavily on preparing information, controls, and compliance – tasks increasingly automated by technology. The CGMA Professional Qualification is designed for the future of finance; created by finance professionals to equip future finance professionals with skills they need to be value creators.”
Tariro Mutizwa, ACMA, CGMA, Vice President, Africa at AICPA & CIMA, said: “The updated CGMA Professional Qualification syllabus represents a significant advancement in the development of finance and accounting professionals across Africa. By integrating key competencies such as business partnering, analytical thinking, strategic planning, and sustainability, it ensures that our members and candidates are equipped with the expertise required to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape. This evolution aligns with global industry demands, reinforcing our commitment to fostering highly skilled professionals who drive economic growth and corporate resilience.”
These changes do not impact learners taking CGMA exams in 2025. A Case Study and Objective Tests study support materials pack will be launched in October to help students prepare for the May 2026 CGMA exams. CIMA has also created over 50 hours of free study support materials to help candidates progress through exams and their journey to becoming CGMA designation holders.
![The signing ceremony took place in Kisumu, with Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o representing the county government and UN-Habitat Executive Director in Kenya, Anaclaudia Rossbach, signing on behalf of the UN agency. Under the agreement, both parties commit to jointly implementing the housing upgrade project, which Governor Nyong’o said will primarily target vulnerable groups. “The PINUA programme [is] designed to benefit the most vulnerable members of the community,” Nyong’o said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable neighborhoods equipped with essential services. Beginning November 1, 2025, the county government, working with UN-Habitat, will launch pilot projects in Kibuye Estate and Muhoroni Sub-County, based on designs and models developed through extensive public participation. The programme will focus on upgrading informal settlements by providing essential social infrastructure such as schools, sanitation facilities, affordable rental housing, early childhood development centres, and public open spaces. It also supports incremental housing models, allowing families to progressively build and eventually own decent homes. Rossbach emphasized UN-Habitat’s global commitment to driving transformative change in urban areas: “This partnership is crucial in advancing our new strategy, which focuses on improving housing access and digitally transforming informal settlements for everyone.” According to UN-Habitat housing architect Fred Omenya, the pilot phase will begin in January 2026 with the construction of two blocks of 24 housing units in Kibuye Estate.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/About-us-still-25957706200_7ca2db7e5e_k-100x70.jpg "Kisumu, UN-Habitat sign Ksh2.7bn deal for social housing upgrade")
