ABOUT US

Achieve Compliance with ACSA's Standards Today

Our Mission and Heritage

The African Commission for Standards and Accreditation (ACSA) is a continental authority committed to advancing integrity, transparency, and excellence across Africa’s public, private, and non-profit sectors. Established to strengthen confidence in African institutions, ACSA provides internationally aligned certification and accreditation frameworks that elevate governance, compliance, and ethical business conduct.

Rooted in Africa’s unique economic landscape and informed by global best practices, ACSA works to unify and raise standards across the continent. Our mandate is built on strengthening trust—between organizations and their stakeholders, between African institutions and global partners, and across the broader marketplace. Every certification we issue represents a commitment to accountability, operational discipline, and responsible leadership.

Supported by a network of compliance specialists, governance professionals, auditors, and sector-specific experts, ACSA ensures that accredited organizations meet rigorous benchmarks of quality and institutional integrity. We help individuals, businesses, and institutions align with global expectations while remaining responsive to Africa’s regulatory realities and development priorities.

ACSA accreditation is more than a certificate—it is a powerful symbol of credibility. It signals that an organization is committed to excellence, ethical standards, and long-term sustainability. Through our work, we empower institutions to strengthen performance, open new opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic transformation.

Vision & Values

Our Vision

To be Africa’s leading authority in setting and upholding standards that strengthen governance, enhance institutional credibility, and promote ethical, transparent, and sustainable growth across all sectors. ACSA envisions a continent where organizations operate with integrity, demonstrate consistent accountability, and meet globally respected benchmarks of excellence.

Our Values

Integrity: We champion honesty, fairness, and responsible conduct in every certification and assessment process.
Accountability: We hold ourselves and our accredited organizations to the highest standards of compliance and transparency.
Professionalism: Our work is guided by expertise, objectivity, and a commitment to excellence.
Inclusivity: We recognize Africa’s diversity and design standards that respect local contexts and realities.
Innovation: We continuously refine our frameworks to respond to emerging risks, technologies, and regulatory trends.
Impact: We aim to create lasting value by strengthening institutions, improving governance, and supporting sustainable development.

What We Stand For

ACSA stands for credible and accountable institutions that contribute meaningfully to Africa’s progress. We believe that strong standards are essential for long-term stability, economic development, and public confidence. Our mandate is built on the principle that organizations thrive when they operate with clarity, transparency, and strong governance.

We champion responsible leadership, ethical conduct, and robust compliance systems. By setting certification requirements that reflect global best practices, we help organizations reduce risks, improve operational discipline, and enhance their readiness to engage with regional and international markets.

Above all, ACSA stands for trust—trust in institutions, trust in processes, and trust in the organizations that carry our certification. Our goal is to shape a future where African organizations are recognized globally for their integrity, resilience, and excellence.

ACSA AML Standard

Supporting African Organizations

ACSA understands the distinct operating environments and regulatory realities faced by African organizations. Its accreditation programs are designed to provide practical, tailored support that helps businesses navigate compliance expectations while strengthening internal systems.

With a dedicated team focused on advancing organizational excellence, ACSA delivers solutions aligned with the specific needs of African enterprises. Earning ACSA accreditation enhances reputation, improves competitiveness, and positions organizations for sustainable growth.

Beyond assessment, ACSA provides ongoing guidance to ensure organizations remain adaptable, compliant, and prepared for emerging challenges—empowering them to operate with confidence while upholding the highest standards of governance and accountability.

ACSA Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standard

The African Commission for Standards and Accreditation (ACSA) issues the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standard as part of its broader mission to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability across the African continent.

This standard provides a unified compliance framework to help organizations detect, prevent, and report money laundering and related financial crimes while remaining responsive to African regulatory realities and socioeconomic contexts.

Aligned with Global & Regional Frameworks

The ACSA AML Standard is aligned with leading international and regional benchmarks while remaining grounded in African operational realities.

FATF Recommendations

UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)

African Union (AU) Directives

Foundation for AML Certification

Ethical Financial Conduct

Demonstrates strong commitment to integrity, transparency, and responsible financial practices.

Regulatory Confidence

Strengthens trust with regulators, partners, investors, and financial institutions.

Sustainable Operations

Builds resilient systems that support long-term compliance and organizational growth.

🌐 ACSA Corporate Certification & Accreditation Program

The African Commission for Standards and Accreditation (ACSA) offers the Corporate Certification & Accreditation Program, a continent-wide system designed to evaluate, recognize, and elevate the performance and integrity of organizations operating across Africa.Accreditation has become a key requirement for organizations operating across Africa, as it signals a strong commitment to quality, integrity, and responsible business conduct. This assurance is essential in earning the confidence of customers, investors, and strategic partners. Through ACSA, businesses gain access to a recognized framework that strengthens credibility and unlocks broader opportunities across regional and international markets.

Trusted by more than 10,00+
people across the globe

Alignment with International Frameworks

The ACSA Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standard is designed to reflect globally recognized compliance and governance frameworks while remaining adaptable to African regulatory and institutional environments.

By aligning with leading international conventions and standards, ACSA ensures that accredited organizations meet globally accepted expectations for integrity, transparency, and responsible financial conduct.

FATF 40 Recommendations

Establishes comprehensive measures for preventing money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism worldwide.

UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime

Supports international cooperation to prevent organized crime, corruption, and illicit financial flows.

African Union Anti-Corruption Convention

Reinforces regional commitments to integrity, accountability, and the prevention of corruption across Africa.

Basel Committee Guidelines

Provides governance and compliance principles for banks and financial institutions to strengthen risk management and internal controls.

ISO 37001

Defines best practices for implementing effective anti-bribery management systems within organizations.

OECD Principles of Corporate Governance

Promotes transparency, accountability, and sound governance structures across public and private sector organizations.

About us

Business made
easy with innovar

Establishment of the Framework

ACSA initiated the development of its foundational governance and compliance standards, bringing together experts from across Africa to design a unified accreditation structure tailored to the continent’s needs.

Launch of the First Regional Compliance Program

The first pilot accreditation and compliance training program was rolled out in East and West Africa, introducing standardized certification pathways for organizations seeking to strengthen governance and accountability.

Formation of Strategic Partnerships

ACSA established early partnerships with regulatory bodies, professional associations, and development institutions, laying the groundwork for cross-border collaboration and continent-wide recognition of its certification systems.

Expansion of Certification Programs

ACSA broadened its portfolio by introducing sector-specific certification tracks, enabling organizations in finance, education, manufacturing, and non-profit sectors to access tailored governance and compliance standards.

Strengthening Continental Presence

Despite global disruptions, ACSA expanded its operations to additional African regions, increasing access to compliance training and remote accreditation solutions.

Enhanced Features

A digital certificate verification portal was launched, allowing partners and institutions to authenticate certifications instantly, strengthening trust and transparency across borders.

Launch of Online Learning

ACSA introduced virtual compliance masterclasses, giving organizations flexible access to training in risk management, ethics, anti-money-laundering, and operational governance.

Continental Standardization Initiative

ACSA collaborated with regional industry bodies to align certification standards with emerging African regulatory frameworks, ensuring stronger harmonization across member states.

Growth of Strategic Partnerships

New collaborations with professional councils, chambers of commerce, and academic institutions helped extend ACSA’s influence and credibility across the continent.

Accreditation Quality Upgrade

ACSA enhanced its assessment methodology by integrating advanced evaluation tools and compliance analytics, resulting in more accurate and transparent accreditation outcomes.

Launch of the Governance Excellence Award

An annual award program was introduced to recognize African organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to ethics, transparency, and responsible leadership.

Introduction of the Corporate Compliance Hub

ACSA unveiled a centralized hub offering resources, compliance updates, toolkits, and regulatory insights designed to support organizations in maintaining continuous governance excellence.

Expansion into Francophone and Lusophone Africa

Language-specific certification programs were introduced, ensuring wider accessibility for West, Central, and Southern African regions.

Integration of AI-Driven Compliance Tools

ACSA implemented automated compliance monitoring systems to help organizations assess risks, track governance improvements, and manage documentation more efficiently.

Recognition as a Continental Compliance Authority

ACSA’s certifications gained broader recognition across multiple industries, positioning the organization as one of Africa’s leading authorities in governance and accreditation.

Launch of the Pan-African Business Integrity Framework

A new continent-wide framework was released to help unify ethical business practices, corporate governance standards, and compliance expectations across Africa.

Establishment of the ACSA Capacity-Building Network

ACSA introduced a collaborative training network connecting universities, regulators, and corporate institutions to build long-term professional capacity across the continent.

ACSA Compliance Innovation Hub Launched

ACSA introduced a new innovation hub focused on developing modern compliance tools and improving certification standards across Africa.

Core Value

Core Values

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure trust, transparency, and fairness in every certification we deliver.

Excellence

We commit to rigorous quality, continuous improvement, and world-class standards in all our accreditation processes.

Accountability

We promote responsible governance by ensuring organizations meet their obligations and operate with clear, measurable compliance.

Team

MEET THE GOVERNING BOARD

James Cruise, PHD

President ACSA

Alexandra Keen

Dr. Mohammed Husein

Registrar ACS

Apply for Accreditation, Certification, or Compliance Programs

Strengthen your organization’s governance today. Contact ACSA at info@acsaafrica.org to learn more about our corporate certification programs and begin your journey toward recognized governance excellence.

BECOME A MEMBER

Articles