Staff Writer
The Southern Africa Insurance Indaba 2026 is expected to provide a platform for industry players to discuss emerging opportunities, economic risks and strategies for strengthening the region’s insurance sector, with artificial intelligence and macroeconomic trends among the topics set to feature.
The gathering, which is expected to bring together local and regional insurance professionals and other stakeholders, will combine industry discussions with networking opportunities as participants explore ways of future-proofing African insurance amid an evolving economic and technological landscape.
Among the speakers lined up for the event are economist and corporate adviser Eddie Cross and artificial intelligence researcher Dr Kennedy Chengeta, who will bring perspectives on economic developments and technological innovation, respectively.
Cross is expected to examine macroeconomic forecasts, inflation trends and regional trade dynamics, offering insights into how these factors could influence insurers’ risk exposure, investment decisions and long-term growth strategies.
With insurers operating in an environment shaped by changing economic conditions, the discussions are expected to provide industry executives with perspectives on identifying emerging risks, assessing investment opportunities and positioning their organisations for sustainable growth.
Cross brings decades of experience in economic policy, industrial development, regional trade and infrastructure. His career includes serving as chief economist at the Agricultural Marketing Authority, chief executive of the Beira Corridor Group and head of the Cold Storage Commission.
Dr Chengeta, meanwhile, is expected to address the role of artificial intelligence, innovation and intelligent automation in the future of insurance.
The co-founder of KaribuTech AI has more than 20 years of experience in financial services technology, including nine years in insurance.
His experience includes designing eLife, a core administration system used by ZB Life Assurance for 12 years, and contributing to digital transformation initiatives at Standard Bank.
These included work on the MyMo onboarding platform and digital payments modernisation across 21 countries.
His presentation is expected to offer insights into how technological developments could help insurers improve operational efficiency, streamline processes and respond to changing customer expectations.
The 2026 indaba follows the previous edition held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which provided a meeting point for insurance industry stakeholders to engage and network.
The latest gathering offers another opportunity for regional players to exchange ideas and strengthen professional relationships.
Beyond the formal programme, the event will feature networking activities and themed evening engagements designed to encourage interaction among delegates.
With registrations still open, the indaba is expected to attract industry participants seeking fresh perspectives on economic developments, innovation and the opportunities shaping the future of insurance in Southern Africa.
