Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife. The financial services industry is quite well developed, with several financial intermediaries providing services albeit to a relatively small financial base.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife. The financial services industry is quite well developed, with several financial intermediaries providing services albeit to a relatively small financial base.
Significant developments have been recorded in the profession over the past four years. The principal driver of change has been the increasing prominence of the Actuarial Society of Zimbabwe "ASZ" (which now has 10 resident actuaries, up from five in 2014, nine associates and more than 350 students). The strategy of the ASZ has been simple but effective:
(i) Host an annual actuarial convention
(ii) Complement the convention with sessional meetings and social events
(iii) Engage key stakeholders regularly
(iv) Promote the qualification of actuaries.
A focused pursuit of the above strategy has led to several initiatives, including the development of a draft Actuaries' Bill, which will see the profession being formalised by an act of parliament. A fresh proposal for the introduction of a local general practice module is being actively considered. We have made a submission to the IAA expressing our interest in becoming a full member. These initiatives should help achieve an organised actuarial profession within a few years.
The major highlight will be a two-day actuarial convention that will be held at the Meikles Hotel in Harare from
14-15 June. It brings together a wide cross-section of stakeholders for a vibrant knowledge-sharing platform. This year we are delighted to have the IFoA officially taking part in our convention alongside the Actuarial Society of South Africa, which has been our main ally.
