6. A hypothetical classification of accounting systems in Africa
Generally speaking, the history of accounting in Africa can be periodized into three
distinct phases, namely: the colonial era, the early post-colonial period (1967–1998), and
the current era of globalization (1998 onwards).
During the colonial era, the accounting systems that were used in Africa were
essentially those of the imperial powers who partitioned and colonized the continent as
shown in Fig. 1. According to Nobes' (1983) pioneering classification, these accounting
systems can be classified broadly into two groups: the Anglo-Saxon or Anglo-American
“judgmental accounting approach” and the Franco-German “uniform accounting” model.
Most African countries simply adapted one of these dominant models, usually whichever
one was imposed during the colonial era, or transmitted through trade and foreign direct
investment by multinational companies.