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Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE is set to host the 38th African Insurance Organisation conference and annual general assembly from May 21-26 in Victoria Falls.
The AIO conference, which is running under the theme “In Pursuit of the Uninsured African”, is being hosted by the Insurance and Pension Commission and the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe.
Guest of honour at the conference will be Minister of Finance Tendai Biti.
Addressing journalists during a Press briefing, AIO vice president and Zimre Holdings chief operating officer Mr Solomon Tembo said the event will see over 500 delegates from Africa and Europe.
“Over 500 insurance professionals are expected to attend the 38th session of the AIO conference and general assembly to debate on issues and developments around insurance business on the continent.
“With respect to this year’s theme, the major thrust of the conference is on why insurance penetration rates have remained largely depressed in most African markets.
“We have lined up a number of keynote speakers from bodies such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, African and international insurance companies, associations and regulatory authorities,” he said.
Mr Tembo added that the event will also provide a business opportunity for the tourism sector in view of the large number of foreign delegates that are expected in the country for the duration of the conference.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority executive director for destination marketing Ms Tesa Chikaponya said her organisation was making efforts to ensure that the tourism sector would benefit from the country’s hosting of the regional insurance conference, adding that other sectors should seek to host such colossal events as they accrue benefits for the economy.
AIO secretary-general Ms Prisca Soares, who has been in Zimbabwe on an assessment mission, expressed confidence with the country’s preparedness to host the conference and annual general assembly.