Staff Reporter
Insurance executives, regulators and policymakers from across Southern Africa will converge on Victoria Falls next week to examine how the continent’s insurance industry can respond to mounting economic pressures, emerging risks and technological disruption.
The November 11-14 Southern Africa Insurance Indaba, hosted by the Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe (IIZ) at Elephant Hills Resort, will bring together regional and international industry players under the theme “Futureproofing African Insurance”, with discussions expected to focus on building resilience, strengthening governance, driving innovation and positioning insurers for changing market conditions.
IIZ president Dr Clementine Chinyuku said the gathering provided an important platform for industry players to assess the challenges facing the sector and develop strategies to strengthen its resilience.
“The Indaba is far more than a conference. It is the one moment each year when insurance executives and industry leaders step away from the day-to-day to reflect on the state of our sector, exchange ideas, and strategize for the future,” she said.
Chinyuku said changing risks, economic pressures, technological developments and evolving customer expectations were reshaping the insurance landscape, making regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing increasingly important.
“Our industry protects households, businesses, and the wider economy,” she said, adding that meeting in person allowed professionals to share experiences, confront common challenges and strengthen insurance’s contribution to society.
The 2026 programme will feature prominent speakers from Zimbabwe and other African markets, with discussions expected to cover monetary policy, economic developments, leadership, innovation, governance, compliance and institutional resilience.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Deputy Governor Dr Jesimen Chipika is among the speakers, while Willem Smith of Hollard Life Solutions will deliver a regional keynote address.
Economist Eddie Cross is expected to examine macroeconomic trends and regional trade developments, while Elias Hwenga and Dr Kennedy Chengeta will explore leadership, innovation and growth.
Lydia Tanyanyiwa, Lindah Mariwande, Beatrice Moyo and Thokozile Mahlangu will bring perspectives on governance, compliance, talent development and institutional resilience.
The gathering will also coincide with the IIZ Annual General Meeting, where members will review the institute’s activities and priorities and usher in new leadership.
Chinyuku said the AGM was an important governance milestone, providing an opportunity to promote accountability, continuity and the renewal of ideas within the professional body.
Beyond the conference sessions, delegates will have opportunities to network through recreational activities, including golf and a visit to Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
Chinyuku said the activities would complement the formal programme by creating opportunities for professionals to strengthen relationships outside the boardroom.
For Zimbabwe, hosting the regional gathering is also an opportunity to contribute to continental insurance discussions while positioning Victoria Falls as a destination for international business conferences and tourism.
The Indaba comes at a time when African insurers are under increasing pressure to respond to changing customer needs, emerging risks and economic uncertainty while improving insurance penetration and maintaining confidence in the sector.
Chinyuku said she hoped delegates would leave with practical insights, stronger professional networks and a shared commitment to building a more resilient insurance industry.
“Together, let us ensure that everyone who joins us leaves with fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient insurance industry in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa,” she said.
