Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
INSURANCE Institute of Zimbabwe (IIZ) president Dr Clementine Chinyuku has challenged young professionals to treat continuous learning and mentorship as the foundation for trust and resilience in the insurance sector.
Opening the IIZ Winter School 2026 in Bulawayo on Thursday, Dr Chinyuku said the programme is not just a calendar event but an intentional investment in capability, character and the future of Zimbabwe’s insurance industry.
Dr Chinyuku told delegates that the industry rewards problem-solvers, not just those who know terms.
Winter schools bridge academic learning and professional excellence by offering focused instruction, practical judgment discussions, and exposure to regulation, technology and disruptive risks.
“Winter schools are how we build a pipeline of competence. In insurance, knowledge is not enough; competence must be built, tested and applied,” she said.
“Where there is growth, there is also confidence. And where there is confidence, quality follows.”
She urged professionals to normalise learning as customer expectations, automation, new distribution channels and changing risk landscapes reshape the sector.
“Professional development is often treated as an administrative checkbox. However, CPD (Continuous Professional Development) is about staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. The future of insurance is now,” Dr Chinyuku said, citing heightened scrutiny on trust, claims handling and ethical conduct.
The IIZ president described mentorship as one of the most underestimated forces in professional development. She said mentors help professionals see around corners, avoid expensive mistakes, and build confidence in judgment.
The winter school, she noted, creates a mentorship environment where participants learn from experienced speakers and practitioners who have navigated disruption.
