PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Africa has begun rolling out an artificial intelligence–powered audit system across the continent, marking one of the most significant transformations to the firm’s global audit process in decades.
The new system, known as the Next Generation Audit (NGA), is part of PwC’s $1 billion global investment to embed advanced AI tools into audit delivery, which will allow auditors to analyse full data populations instantly, detect anomalies in real time, and eliminate repetitive, manual procedures that typically prolong audit cycles.
According to the firm’s Africa Annual Review 2025, the technology overhaul aims to improve transparency, accelerate testing, and enhance audit quality as businesses face growing regulatory and digital pressures.
Beyond NGA, PwC has deployed additional AI tools to more than 10,000 staff across 14 African countries. These include ChatPwC, the firm’s secure internal AI assistant, and Microsoft 365 Copilot, which over 800 employees now use. These tools enable faster analysis, quicker document review, and more efficient internal collaboration, capabilities that PwC says are necessary as clients demand more real-time insights.
PwC said it is integrating AI across other service lines beyond audit. In its Deals, Tax, and Legal Services practices, the firm is utilizing Harvey, an advanced AI platform that automates tasks such as data analysis, due diligence, document review, and reporting.
“Harvey automates tasks such as document review, data analysis, and reporting,” the report noted, adding that the technology is already being used by over 4,000 PwC professionals globally.
Consulting and risk teams are also utilising AI-driven tools to redesign operating models, streamline risk assessments, and enhance cybersecurity engagements.
To prevent misuse and ensure compliance, PwC Africa has established an internal governance structure to oversee responsible AI usage. “To ensure ethical and secure AI adoption, we launched the Africa AI Business Rules and implemented a Responsible AI Framework aligned with PwC’s values,” the firm said.
Dion Shango, PwC Africa’s Territory Senior Partner, said the rapid adoption of AI is no longer optional for professional services firms as industries transform.
“AI and related technologies have the potential to boost global GDP by 15 percent, and in Africa by 4.9 percent, over the next decade,” he said.
He added that the urgency for transformation has reached record levels: “The pressure for businesses to reinvent themselves is at some of the highest levels seen in the last 25 years.”
According to Shango, PwC’s AI-led overhaul is aimed at helping clients navigate digital disruption while ensuring audits remain transparent, reliable, and aligned with emerging regulatory frameworks.