Staff Writer
The Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe (IIZ) president Clementine Chinyuku has hailed the emergence of a new generation of insurance professionals, describing them as key to shaping the future of financial security in Zimbabwe and across the region.
Speaking at the IIZ graduation ceremony held last Friday, Chinyuku said the event symbolised more than academic success, but the rise of professionals poised to drive resilience in the financial services sector.
“Today we celebrate more than a graduation. We celebrate the rise of a new generation of insurance professionals who will shape the financial security of our nation and our continent,” she said.
Chinyuku underscored the critical role of insurance in sustaining economic stability, noting that the sector extends beyond policies and premiums.
“It is about confidence in tomorrow. It is about ensuring that when uncertainty strikes, businesses continue to operate, families remain protected and economies remain resilient,” she said.
She also highlighted the Institute’s expanding regional footprint, which now includes five examination centres across Zimbabwe and additional centres in Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho and Angola. The IIZ currently has over 500 members across Africa and the diaspora, reflecting its growing influence in professional insurance training.
In his academic address, IIZ Academic Chairperson Cuthbert Masukume said the graduating class of 2025 reflects increasing demand for skilled professionals in the insurance sector.
“This year, 1,162 candidates have successfully completed their professional qualifications through the Institute. While only 350 graduates are present here today, each represents the same pursuit of knowledge, discipline and professional growth that defines the IIZ community,” he said.
Masukume said the qualifications awarded, ranging from Certificate of Proficiency (COP) to Fellowship, are becoming more relevant as the industry responds to global and regional challenges such as technological disruption, regulatory changes, climate-related risks and shifting customer expectations.
“Our mandate is to ensure that every graduate leaving this institution is equipped not only with technical competence but also with the analytical and strategic thinking required to navigate this evolving landscape,” he said.
He described insurance professionals as custodians of financial security and “architects of resilience” whose work contributes directly to national economic stability.
“As you progress in your careers, remember that you are not merely policy administrators or risk assessors. You are custodians of financial security, architects of resilience and contributors to national economic stability,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has urged industry professionals to embrace innovation, continuous learning and ethical leadership as the sector undergoes rapid transformation.
Speaking at the same event as guest of honor, IPEC Commissioner Dr Grace Muradzikwa, represented by Mary Takavarasha, Insurance Manager for Prudential Supervision, said the future of the industry will depend on adaptable and forward-thinking professionals.
“The insurance industry is undergoing profound transformation driven by technology, evolving consumer expectations and emerging risks. The professionals who will thrive in this environment are those who continue to learn, adapt and lead with integrity,” she said.
The ceremony marked a key milestone for Zimbabwe’s insurance practitioners, with over 1,100 candidates sitting for examinations and approximately 75 percent successfully completing their programmes.
The regulator said the high completion rate reflects discipline, perseverance and commitment among industry professionals, adding that the achievement also recognises the support of families, mentors, employers and colleagues.
Dr Muradzikwa commended the IIZ for strengthening the professional backbone of Zimbabwe’s insurance sector, noting that its structured qualifications provide a critical pathway for developing competent practitioners.
She also applauded the Institute’s academic collaborations with the National University of Science and Technology, Midlands State University and Great Zimbabwe University, which enhance academic integrity and align training with global standards.
“As a nation that prides itself on its strong educational heritage, Zimbabwe must continue to safeguard institutions that elevate knowledge, competence and professional credibility,” she said.
Dr Muradzikwa further underscored the broader significance of the insurance profession, describing it as a critical pillar of economic stability.
“The insurance profession exists at the intersection of risk, trust and economic stability. It is not merely about policies or premiums. It is about protecting livelihoods, supporting enterprise, and offering reassurance when uncertainty arises,” she said.
She urged graduates to commit to lifelong learning, emphasising that continuous professional development will be essential in an increasingly dynamic and evolving industry.
