After considerable consultation with representatives and opinion makers from the private, public and voluntary sectors between 1995 and 1998, the overwhelming conclusion was that an institution to promote the concept and practice of non-financial accountability within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors could only add value to the country.

Prior to its legal incorporation, the Accountability Institute was incubated within a Johannesburg based NGO and subsequently housed by a private consulting company. It laid dormant until 1998 when its current chairperson Mr. Caesar Molebatsi, a known South African social activist, re-launched a process that culminated in its establishment late in 1999.

Although legally established November 1999, it was not until 2000 that the institute was able to establish an administrative centre in Randburg which in 2002 was moved to Pretoria. By design a lean organisation, the institute works to promote the concept and practice of non-financial accountability through relevant, comprehensive and rigorous performance management systems.