IPEC Marks 20 Years of Regulation, Reform and Renewal
The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) officially launched its 20th Anniversary Commemorations at an elegant cocktail event in Harare on Friday evening.
The event brought together senior Government officials, regulators, industry stakeholders, development partners, and the media to celebrate two decades of insurance and pensions regulation in Zimbabwe.
The Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa, described the 20th anniversary commemorations as a defining moment for the sector.
“This milestone is both symbolic and significant,” he said.
“It marks twenty years of regulatory service, institutional learning, and stewardship over a sector that plays a central role in protecting livelihoods, mobilising long-term savings, and supporting national development.”
The Deputy Minister reflected on the difficult circumstances surrounding IPEC’s early years as a standalone regulator, noting that it emerged during one of Zimbabwe’s most challenging economic periods. Despite limited technical capacity at the time, the institution steadily evolved into a modern, well-resourced regulator with strong professional expertise and risk-based supervision practices.
“What deserves recognition and indeed commendation, is the intentional transformation that IPEC has undergone over the years.
“Through sustained Government support, effective Board oversight, and management resolve, the Commission has progressively built a strong multidisciplinary team comprising actuaries, risk management specialists, economists, accountants, lawyers, ICT specialists, and other professionals essential for regulating a sophisticated financial services sector.
“The skills at IPEC today, are benchmarked against international best practice and peer regulators,” said Deputy Minister Mnangagwa.
He said the enhanced capacity has enabled IPEC to move beyond reactive regulation and adopt risk-based supervision by implementing proactive, evidence-driven policymaking, and forward-looking regulatory reforms aimed at restoring confidence, strengthening supervision, and protecting policyholders and pension fund members.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa added thatGovernment, remains committed to working with IPEC and industry stakeholders to consolidate reforms and rebuild confidence in long-term financial contracts.
IPEC Board Chairperson, Mr Albert Nduna noted the transformation of insurance and pensions regulation from a small function within Government to a fully-fledged statutory regulator with strong governance and technical capacity. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to providing strategic oversight for a credible and forward-looking institution.
In her remarks, IPEC Commissioner, Dr Grace Muradzikwa expressed appreciation to Government, development partners, industry stakeholders, and past and present leadership, emphasising that IPEC’s progress has been built through collective effort and institutional continuity. She highlighted that the anniversary activities will both celebrate history and give back to communities through education-focused initiatives.
As IPEC enters its third decade, the commemorations signal renewed commitment to strong regulation, deeper inclusion, and a resilient insurance and pensions sector that supports Zimbabwe’s economic future.
