Innovating Reinsurance: Insights from Jephita Gwatipedza, Zep Re

Jephita Gwatipedza, COO of Zep Re, highlights the evolving reinsurance landscape across Southern Africa. Despite challenges like economic constraints and localised regulatory shifts, opportunities are emerging in micro-insurance, agriculture insurance, and parametric solutions. Zep Re’s initiatives include World Bank-backed agricultural insurance projects and innovative products like collateral replacement indemnities to enhance insurance accessibility. Skills development remains a priority, with the RI Academy training over 22,000 professionals in five years. Jephita underscores the need for local expertise and international collaboration to unlock the region's growth potential while addressing critical risks such as flooding and emerging threats like cyber risks.