Increased regional trade in east Africa is prompting expansion by tax and audit group BDO.
BDO East Africa Embarks on Audit and Advisory Expansion in DRC and Burundi
BDO East Africa, a key player in public accounting, tax, and advisory services, has announced a strategic expansion of its operations into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi. This move is a significant step in the firm’s growth strategy in the African market, particularly following the DRC’s recent admission into the East African Community (EAC).
The expansion into the DRC is set to commence by October 1st, with the opening of an office in Kinshasa, the country’s capital. Sandeep Khapre, CEO of BDO East Africa, has emphasized the importance of this expansion in meeting the growing demand for professional business support services in the region. The Kinshasa office aims to cater to both new businesses setting up operations in the DRC and existing Congolese businesses that previously lacked access to such comprehensive services.
This strategic move comes at a time when the DRC, as the newest member of the EAC, is experiencing an influx of Kenyan firms looking to capitalize on the largely untapped market opportunities. More than 20 Kenyan firms have already established or committed to trade investments in the DRC, highlighting the region’s potential for growth. BDO East Africa’s expansion is aligned with this trend, as the firm aims to support its clientele in navigating the legal, tax, and regulatory environment in these new markets.
At the BDO Financial Services Roadshow in Nairobi, the role of emerging technologies, such as blockchain, was highlighted as a key factor in facilitating transactions and addressing challenges in the financial services sector. The firm’s expertise in setting up operations in new territories and its emphasis on adopting cutting-edge financial solutions are expected to be critical in assisting clients to navigate the evolving business landscape in the DRC and Burundi.
The expansion into Burundi, though less detailed at this stage, is also a part of BDO East Africa’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the East African region. The firm’s growth in these countries is indicative of the increasing importance of intra-Africa trade and the need for innovative financial services solutions to support this growth.
BDO East Africa’s expansion is a testament to the firm’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings and geographical footprint in Africa. As the firm embarks on this new chapter, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the business landscape in the DRC, Burundi, and beyond, offering a blend of local expertise and global insights.