15 May 2026 – The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has officially launched its Regulatory Sandbox and opened the Cohort Two Application Window as part of efforts to promote innovation, financial inclusion and technology-driven transformation in Zimbabwe’s insurance and pensions industry. The Cohort Two application window opened on 13 May 2026 and will close on 30 June 2026.
FSD Africa and Cenfri provided technical assistance to IPEC in developing the Regulatory Sandbox and capacity building for IPEC and the insurance and pensions industry.
The IPEC Regulatory Sandbox provides a controlled and supervised environment where innovators can safely test new insurance and pensions products, services, technologies and business models before full-scale deployment into the market, if they pass the test.
The initiative is designed to support local and foreign innovators, InsurTechs, FinTechs, startups, universities, innovation hubs and regulated entities seeking to develop solutions that improve access, efficiency and consumer experience within the insurance and pensions ecosystem in Zimbabwe.
IPEC Commissioner, Dr Grace Muradzikwa said the Regulatory Sandbox represents a significant milestone in the modernisation of Zimbabwe’s insurance and pensions industry. She added that the sandbox would help foster collaboration between IPEC and innovators while ensuring that consumer protection remains central.
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.
Innovation is critical in addressing market gaps, deepening financial inclusion and improving customer experience, particularly among underserved communities
said Dr Muradzikwa.
Regulatory sandboxes are increasingly becoming important tools for enabling responsible innovation across Africa’s financial services ecosystem. 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.
said Elias Omondi, Principal, Sustainable Insurance at FSD Africa.
Innovation thrives where regulators and innovators engage constructively. 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
Ms Nichola Beyers, Cenfri Engagement Manager, added.
Applications are invited from both local and international individuals and entities proposing innovative products, services, technologies or business models that fall outside the current regulatory framework.
Completed applications must be submitted through the Regulatory Sandbox Portal available on the IPEC website: www.ipec.co.zw
About IPEC
IPEC is a statutory body that was established in terms of the Insurance and Pensions Commission Act [Chapter 24:21] with the mandate of regulating and developing the insurance and pensions industry in Zimbabwe.
About FSD Africa
FSD Africa is a specialist development agency that focuses on strengthening and developing financial markets across Africa. The organisation works with governments, regulators, policymakers, financial institutions and private sector players to mobilise capital, support policy and regulatory reform, strengthen financial infrastructure and promote innovation, financial inclusion and sustainable finance.
About Cenfri
Cenfri is an independent African economic impact agency and not-for-profit development consultancy working to boost economic growth and sustainable development in emerging markets. Cenfri partners with regulators, policymakers, development institutions and private sector stakeholders to support inclusive financial sector development, digital transformation and evidence-based policymaking.
