4^th AAAG PFM CONVENTION

THE CONVENTION AT A GLANCE

WELCOME!

Welcome to the 2026 AAAG Public Financial Management (PFM) Convention, 4^th Edition. The AAAG PFM Convention is Africa's premier gathering of public financial management leaders, professionals and practitioners.

Previously known as the AAAG annual Conference, the AAAG PFM Convention provides a permanent continental platform for dialogue, innovation, collaboration and practical solutions that strengthen public financial management across Africa.

We are delighted to welcome you to the Kingdom of Eswatini and look forward to an engaging week of learning, networking and partnership.

This Practical Information Guide has been developed to help you prepare for your visit to Eswatini by providing essential information on registration, travel, accommodation, immigration, venue facilities and other practical arrangements.

ABOUT THE AAAG PFM CONVENTION

The AAAG PFM Convention is Africa's flagship gathering dedicated to Public Financial Management (PFM). Convened annually by the African Association of Accountants General (AAAG) in collaboration with Member Countries, the Convention brings together senior government officials, Accountants General, Auditors General, policymakers, development partners, academia, private sector innovators and public finance practitioners from across Africa and beyond. Since the first edition in February 2024, the AAAG PFM Convention has evolved into the continent's leading platform for shaping the future of public financial management through collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange. The Convention is a platform to showcase practical PFM reforms, facilitate knowledge and experience sharing, promote innovation and digital transformation, foster peer learning, build strategic partnerships, and advance accountability and transparency in public finance management. The Convention programme features a high-level policy dialogues and technical discussions, exhibitions that showcase PFM innovations and networking events.

Conference Programme Snapshot

ORGANISERS

The 4th AAAG PFM Convention is organised by the African Association of Accountants General (AAAG) in collaboration with the Department of Treasury, Kingdom of Eswatini

THEME

From Reform to Results: Driving Accountable, Impactful and Resilient Public Finance in Africa

Across Africa, governments have invested significantly in strengthening public financial management systems through reforms in budgeting, treasury management, digitalisation, accounting standards, fiscal transparency and accountability.

The challenge now is no longer simply implementing reforms but how to ensure that those reforms deliver measurable improvements in public service delivery, fiscal resilience, economic growth and citizen trust.

The 4th AAAG PFM Convention therefore focuses on translating reform efforts into practical results that create lasting public value while strengthening institutions capable of responding to future challenges.

The Convention shifts the conversation from designing reforms to demonstrating measurable improvements in fiscal governance, transparency, accountability and public service delivery.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

• Learn: Gain insights from Africa and Global leading experts

• Connect: Network with policymakers, leaders and other professionals

• Discover: Explore innovative technologies, systems and practices changing the PFM sector

• Influence: Contribute to continental dialogue on strengthening PFM

• Grow: Earn CPD hours

OVERVIEW OF THE CONVENTION

Expected participation

Over 2,000 delegates representing governments, supreme audit institutions, development partners, academia, research institutions, professional accounting bodies and the private sector are expected to attend the Convention.

Venue

Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC)

The Convention will be hosted at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre, located in the Ezulwini valley, Mbabane.

The venue offers modern conference facilities, a large plenary auditorium, multiple breakout rooms, an exhibition spaces, a business centre, High-speed internet, accessible facilities and a Secure parking, among other amenities.

Registration

Registration for the Concention is Open. Delegates exclusively register through the official Convention website: https://conferences.aaag.africa/conference-detail/4th-aaag-pfm-convention.

Registration is confirmed only upon receipt of full payment.

Delegates are encouraged to register early.

No on-site registration will be available.

• Badge Collection

The Registration Desk will be located in the Convention Centre foyer and will operate throughout the Convention period. Delegates will start collecting their badges from November 28,2026.

Delegates should present their registration confirmationand Passport or National ID at the Registration desk.

Delegates are requested to always wear their badges while attending Convention activities. Lost badges should immediately be reported to the Registration Desk. Replacement badges may attract an administrative fee.

Registration Fees

Registration fees include:

• Full access to all plenary and technical sessions.

• Conference materials

• Lunch and refreshments

• Exhibition access

• Networking opportunities

• Access to the welcome dinner and closing cocktail

• Delegates attending the full Convention may qualify for up to 40 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, subject to attendance verification.

• Certificate of participation

NOTE: Accompanying Delegates have access only to networking events (Official Dinner and closing cocktail) and Excursions.

Who Should Attend

The Convention is designed for:

• Accountants General

• Treasury officials

• Ministers of Finance

• Permanent Secretaries

• Budget Directors

• Internal Auditors

• Supreme Audit Institutions

• Revenue Authorities

• Central Banks

• Parliamentarians

• Development Partners

• Professional Accountancy Organisations

• Academia and Researchers

• ICT and Digital Government Experts

• Private sector solution providers

• Students and young professionals interested in PFM

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The AAAG PFM Convention offers organisations a unique opportunity to engage directly with Africa's foremost public financial management decision-makers.

Interested in showcasing your organisation? Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available. Review the Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities or contact the AAAG Secretariat for more information.

For Sponsorship, contact Jean.Bucyensenge@aaag.africa or drop an email at info@aaag.africa.

EXHIBITION

The Convention Exhibition will showcase innovative solutions supporting public financial management across Africa.

Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with digital government solution providers, financial management system developers, professional accountancy organisations, development partners, academic institutions and technology innovators

The Exhibition will remain open throughout the Convention and is accessible free of charge for all Delegates.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Welcome to Ezulwini, the Valley of Heaven

Ezulwini, also known as The Valley of Heaven, is Eswatini’s main tourist area offering a wealth of attractions. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and the panoramic valley that bears this name certainly offers its share of hedonistic delights.

Ezulwini Valley lies directly southeast of Mbabane the Capital of Eswatini and is flanked to the west by the craggy Luphohlo/Lugogo mountains and to the east by the sacred Mdzimba mountains.

The Valley – once famed for its colourful nightlife - is now better known for its fine family-friendly hotels, and natural and cultural attractions. Visitors can stay at top-end hotels, or choose from plentiful guesthouses, chalets and backpacker hostels. Eating out options range from the local to international cuisine, with no shortage of cafés and takeaways for the budget conscious.

The Ezulwini Valley offers a wealth of options for that quintessential Swazi gift. At the Ezulwini Craft Market – Eswatini’s largest, with some 126 different stalls – you will find everything from wooden carvings, plates and beadwork to jewellery, textiles and traditional garments. The nearby Mantenga Craft and Lifestyle Centre offers similar fare, plus an opportunity to nip round the back and watch the artisans in action. For lovers of contemporary art, the Yebo Art Gallery and Design Studio hosts regular exhibitions. Gables provides standard ‘mall shops’. Those in search of more active pursuits will find swimming pools and tennis courts at the larger hotels. The jewel in the valley’s sporting crown, however, is undoubtedly the 18-hole golf course at the Royal Swazi. Other activities include horse riding, quad biking, and adventure caving (a guided activity that explores a unique cave system underneath the Malagwane Hill).

Getting into Eswatini

Eswatini is easily accessible by both air and road.

International delegates arriving by air can fly into King Mswati III International Airport. The airport receives scheduled regional flights and offers convenient connections through major Southern African aviation hubs.

Many international travellers also choose to connect through O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa) before travelling onward to Eswatini by air or road. Regular cross-border transport services and private transfers operate between Johannesburg and Mbabane, making this one of the most popular travel routes.

Delegates travelling by road may enter Eswatini through border posts connecting the country with either South Africa or Mozambique. Visitors are advised to carry all required travel documents and allow sufficient time for immigration and customs formalities.

We encourage delegate travelling by road to continue checking the Convention Website as information may continue to be updated.

Immigration & Visa

The Kingdom of Eswatini welcomes visitors from across the world. Nationals of several countries may enter Eswatini without a visa for short business or tourism visits, while travellers from countries requiring a visa should obtain one before departure through an Eswatini Embassy, High Commission or the official eVisa portal: https://evisa.gov.sz/. Visa requirements vary by nationality; therefore, delegates are strongly encouraged to verify the applicable entry requirements well in advance of travel.

Delegates requiring a visa should ensure that they:

• Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay.

• Have sufficient blank pages in their passport for immigration stamps.

• Apply for a visa well in advance of travel where required.

• Request an official invitation letter from the AAAG Secretariat after completing registration, if needed to support their visa application.

• Carry proof of accommodation, return or onward travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay, should these be requested by immigration authorities.

Important Note: Connections to Eswatini

• Zambia: Eswatini Air Operates direct flights from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia twice a week (Wednesday and Friday). If you plan to transit via Lusaka kindly confirm visa arrangements by visiting https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/for-visitors/

• Zimbabwe: Eswatini Air Operates direct flights from Harare to Mbabane. If you plan to transit via Harare, kindly confirm visa arrangements and eligibility for evisa or visa on arrival at https://www.evisa.gov.zw/

• South Africa

Delegates travelling via South Africa should ensure they also meet South Africa's transit or entry requirements, including passport validity and blank-page requirements where applicable. For Information on Visa requirement, refer to the country’s Department of Home Affairs https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas and for a full list of countries exempt from Visa to enter south Africa, follow: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries. Applications for transit visa can be processed at the South African Embassy in your country or the nearest Embassy.

Delegates transiting through South Africa can travel by Air with Airlink or Eswatini Air; or by road using buses.

TAKE NOTE

• Delegates are responsible of applying and securing their visa, including Visa to Eswatini and transit Visa based on their travel schedule. We strongly advise delegates to start visa applications well in advance to avoid last minute risks.

  Accommodation

AAAG has negotiated preferential accommodation rates with selected hotels located within Ezulwini Valley and Mbabane. Participating hotels have been selected based on proximity to the venue, safety, quality of service, availability of airport transfers and value for money. Delegates are encouraged to book accommodation early as availability during the Convention period is expected to be limited.

Accommodation bookings remain the responsibility of individual delegates.

A list of official Convention hotels, negotiated rates, booking procedures and reservation contacts are available on the Convention website here: https://conferences.aaag.africa/conference/4th-aaag-pfm-convention/accommodation . Accommodation costs are not included in the Convention registration fee.

Transportation

Airport Transfers

Official airport transfer arrangements will be communicated through the Convention website closer to the event.

Delegates using independent transport are encouraged to use authorised airport taxis or pre-arranged hotel transfers.

Estimated travel time between King Mswati III International Airport and Ezulwini Valley is approximately one hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Local Transport

Transport options include Hotel shuttle services, licensed taxis, car hire services or private transfers.

Official Convention Mobile App

To enhance the delegate experience, the AAAG PFM Convention Mobile App will serve as the official digital companion throughout the Convention. Delegates are encouraged to download the App before arriving in Eswatini to access the latest Convention information and receive real-time updates.

Through the App, delegates will be able to:

• View the full Convention programme and create a personalised schedule.

• Access speaker profiles and presentation abstracts.

• Receive real-time announcements and programme updates.

• Explore the list of exhibitors, sponsors and partners.

• Navigate the Convention venue using interactive maps.

• Access practical information, including accommodation, transportation and local attractions.

• Connect and network with fellow delegates.

• Complete session evaluations and provide feedback.

• Access Convention documents and other digital resources.

Download the App

Scan the QR code below or visit Android or iOS to download the AAAG PFM Convention Mobile App.

Simultaneous Interpretation

To support participation from across the continent, simultaneous interpretation will be available during all plenary sessions. AAAG uses an AI-Powered simultaneous interpretation platform.

Interpretation will be provided in English, French and Portuguese; but delegates can access up to 75 other languages of their choices. Delegates requiring interpretation headsets should carry their own headsets.

Weather

Late November and early December mark the beginning of the summer season in Eswatini. The period is generally characterised by warm days, pleasant evenings and occasional afternoon or evening showers.

Average daytime temperatures range between 22°C and 30°C, while evening temperatures typically range from 15°C to 20°C. Humidity levels are generally moderate, making outdoor activities comfortable throughout most of the day.

Delegates are advised to pack lightweight business attire for Convention sessions, Smart casual clothing for networking events and excursions, light jacket(s) or sweater (s) for cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, A compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional summer showers and sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for outdoor activities. The conference facilities are fully air-conditioned to ensure a seamless experience for the delegates.

Health, Safety and Security

Eswatini is a welcoming destination, and delegates are encouraged to exercise the same level of personal awareness they would when travelling internationally. Simple precautions, such as safeguarding personal belongings and using authorised transport services, will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Delegates should obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. It is also advisable to carry any prescription medication required during the visit, together with copies of relevant prescriptions.

Modern medical facilities, pharmacies and emergency healthcare services are available in Mbabane and the Ezulwini Valley. Delegates requiring urgent medical assistance should immediately contact their hotel reception, the Local Organising Committee or the AAAG Secretariat, who will facilitate access to the nearest healthcare facility. A medical team shall be permanently stationed at the Convention venue to provide emergency care to those who may require tem or assist with evacuation to other healthcare facilities where needed.

Travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic may be required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon entry into Eswatini. Delegates should consult their healthcare provider before travel regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions.

Banking

Banks operate Monday to Friday. ATMs are widely available. Major international cards are accepted.

Currency

Currency: The Official Currency is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL). However, the South African Rand (ZAR) is accepted nationwide at a 1:1 exchange rate.

Most hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept international cards such as Visa or Mastercard, or Cash.

Cultural Etiquette

Visitors are encouraged to:

• Respect local customs and traditions.

• Dress appropriately during official events.

• Seek permission before photographing individuals in traditional settings.

• Observe punctuality during Convention sessions.

  Internet & Communications

Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available throughout the Convention venue. Delegates can purchase local SIM cards at the airport and retail outlets.

SUSTAINABILITY

AAAG is committed to delivering a sustainable Convention through initiatives that minimise environmental impact while promoting responsible resource use.

Measures include prioritising digital communications, paper-light documentation, Responsible waste management, and reduced single-use plastics where feasible Delegates are encouraged to support these efforts throughout the Convention.

CONTACT INFORMATION

African Association of Accountants General

www.aaag.africa

www.conferences.aaag.africa

events@aaag.africa

+260 958120115

2. Local organizing Committee

3. Emergency Contacts

Emergency Assistance: 911 / +268 24048911

FIRE: 933/ +268 2404 3333

ROYAL POLICE SERVICES: 999