CIMA, already the world's largest professional body of management accountants, enjoyed substantial growth in both new and emerging markets. The UK, Malaysia, India, Russia and South Africa all saw record numbers of new students choosing to register with CIMA to work towards their Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation and other qualifications. CIMA also added over 5,500 members globally.
New student recruitment figures increased by 25% across the Africa region year on year, with a number of emerging markets, which will become future economic powerhouses, showing a marked increased in the number of new students recruited in 2013 over 2012.
In Africa, both Ghana and South Africa delivered record-setting student population growth of 51% and 27% respectively during 2013. Says Samantha Louis, regional director of CIMA Africa: "I am delighted that we have continued to see strong growth in these key markets, while our developing markets such as Nigeria, Namibia and Mauritius returned very pleasing double digit growth, with Mauritius delivering 12% year on year student population growth.
"During 2013 we worked to establish a new tuition provider in Mauritius and we launched our gateway offering in that market for graduates and members of other accounting bodies - two developments which should help to sustain positive growth in that market. This shows us that young people and employers across the region see CGMA as a vital designation for a successful career in business and finance."
The route to CGMA begins with CIMA, with members of CIMA receiving not only the Associated Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) designation, but also CGMA. "We are committed to helping people and businesses to succeed in a tough climate, and have also seen an increase in Zimbabwe year on year from 2012 to 2013," says Louis.
CIMA's highly successful joint venture with the American Institute of CPAs continues to gather pace as the CGMA designation is embraced by businesses across the world. The importance of the designation is emphasised by a global population that has grown to over 130,000 CGMA professionals who are shaping the strategic direction of organisations ranging from start-ups to global giants.
