By Own Correspondent

The  Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has officially launched its Regulatory Sandbox, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of Zimbabwe’s  insurance and pensions industry and opening new opportunities for innovation, financial inclusion and technology-driven transformation.

Insurance

The launch, also marked the opening of the Cohort Two Application Window, which runs from 15 May 2026 to 31 August 2026. Through the sandbox, innovators will be able to safely test new insurance and pensions products, services, technologies and business models within a controlled and supervised regulatory environment before full-scale deployment into the market.

Speaking during the launch, IPEC Commissioner, Dr Grace Muradzikwa described the Regulatory Sandbox as a transformative initiative that bridges the gap between regulation and innovation.

“The official launch of the IPEC Regulatory Sandbox reflects the Commission’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for responsible innovation in the insurance and pensions sector,” said Dr Muradzikwa.

“Innovation is critical in addressing market gaps, deepening financial inclusion and improving customer experience, particularly among underserved communities.”

The Commissioner noted that Zimbabwe’s insurance and pensions sector is at a critical inflection point, with many citizens, particularly those in the informal sector and underserved communities, still lacking adequate financial protection and retirement security. She said the Regulatory Sandbox provides a practical mechanism for regulators and innovators to collaborate in developing solutions tailored to the realities of the Zimbabwean market.

The initiative is open to local and international innovators, including InsurTechs, FinTechs, startups, universities, innovation hubs and licensed insurance and pensions entities. Innovations eligible for testing include digital insurance platforms, artificial intelligence applications, claims automation systems, microinsurance and micropensions solutions, and other technology-driven financial services.

IPEC developed the Regulatory Sandbox with technical assistance from FSD Africa and Cenfri, organisations that support financial sector innovation and inclusion across Africa.

Finance

FSD Africa Principal for Sustainable Insurance, Elias Omondi, said regulatory sandboxes are becoming increasingly important in enabling responsible innovation within Africa’s financial services sector.

“FSD Africa is proud to have walked this journey with IPEC in developing and operationalising the Regulatory Sandbox, which we believe will help deepen financial inclusion in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Cenfri Engagement Manager, Ms Nichola Beyers, added that collaboration between regulators and innovators is critical in unlocking inclusive financial solutions.

“The IPEC Regulatory Sandbox has the potential to unlock new insurance and pensions solutions that can improve inclusion, affordability and resilience for consumers in Zimbabwe,” she said.