Zimbabwe’s insurance industry and professionals should embrace innovation, continuous learning and ethical leadership as the sector undergoes rapid transformation driven by technology and emerging risks.Energy transition report
Speaking at the Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe (IIZ) graduation ceremony held last Friday, the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) Commissioner Dr Grace Muradzikwa, represented by Ms Mary Takavarasha, insurance manager for prudential supervision, said the future of the industry would depend on professionals who are adaptable, forward-thinking and grounded in integrity.
“The insurance industry is undergoing a 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 in the professional journey of Zimbabwe’s insurance practitioners, with over 1 100 candidates sitting for examinations and approximately 75 per cent successfully completing their programmes.Energy transition report
The regulator said the high completion rate reflected discipline, perseverance and commitment among industry professionals.
Dr Muradzikwa noted that the achievement extended beyond individual effort, recognising the role of families, mentors, employers and colleagues in supporting candidates through their studies.
She also commended the IIZ for its central role in strengthening the professional backbone of Zimbabwe’s insurance sector, highlighting its structured qualifications as a key pathway for developing competent practitioners.
Dr Muradzikwa applauded the Institute’s academic collaborations with institutions such as the National University of Science and Technology, Midlands State University and Great Zimbabwe University, which she said enhance academic integrity and align training with global standards.Energy transition report
“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 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, noting that continuous professional development would be essential in a rapidly evolving knowledge landscape.
IIZ president, Ms Clementine Chinyuku, said the ceremony symbolised not only academic achievement, but also the emergence of a new generation of professionals poised to shape the future of financial security across the region.
“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.
Ms Chinyuku emphasised the critical role of insurance in sustaining economic resilience, saying insurance is not merely about 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.
Ms Chinyuku also highlighted the institute’s growing regional footprint, with five examination centres across Zimbabwe and additional centres in countries such as Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho and Angola.Energy transition report
“The Institute now has over 500 members across Africa and the diaspora.
In his academic address, IIZ Academic chairperson Mr Cuthbert Masukume said the graduating class of 2025 reflects a growing 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.
Mr Masukume said the qualifications awarded, ranging from Certificate of Proficiency (COP) to Fellowship, demonstrated increasing relevance as the industry responds to global and regional challenges, including 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.
Mr Masukume 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.-herald
