(Business in Cameroon) – Starting May 1, 2026, EY’s francophone sub-Saharan Africa operations will be split into two independent entities: one focused on audit and financial services, and the other on consulting, accounting, taxation, payroll, and compliance. The move is part of the firm’s global restructuring plan and signals a transition toward more regional governance.
To ensure a smooth transition, both new entities have chosen Akuiteo as their shared technology backbone. The French software developer, known for its integrated management systems for service firms, will serve as the strategic partner responsible for maintaining operational continuity and securing internal processes across all participating countries.
“We were looking for more than a vendor—a partner combining technical reliability, business insight, and proximity. Akuiteo stood out for the maturity of its platform and its grasp of our challenges. This partnership strengthens our continuity and agility,” said Eric N’Guessan, Cluster Leader for EY francophone sub-Saharan Africa.
In an interview with Forbes, N’Guessan added that new brands will be created for each network: “We are currently developing new brands… They will be unveiled by May 1, 2026. Once the transition is complete, the EY brand will no longer be used.” He described the reorganization as “a natural evolution toward 100% African governance,” where partners in the region will select their own leaders under an autonomous structure.
The shift comes amid broader changes in the consulting sector in francophone Africa, as global networks scale back their presence—illustrated by PwC’s withdrawal from ten countries in the region.
For EY, the goal is to turn this transition into a strategic advantage by leveraging local expertise and regional insight. The key challenge remains maintaining the trust of major corporations and institutions that depend on global networks for reliable financial, tax, and organizational guidance.
