How We Work
The NDSI operates under a collaborative structure that includes the following structural units:
Working Groups
These are collaborative forums open to all NDSI members, acting in an advisory capacity to the NDSI Executive and Steering Committee. They help implement key NDSI activities to achieve the desired objectives. The two key Working Groups are:
- ESG Roadmaps and Reporting Working Group: Focuses on developing and publishing an African ESG taxonomy, providing a unified language for discussing ESG and laying the foundation for developing ESG standards.
- ESG Taxonomy Working Group: Examines how companies establish ESG strategies and assists members in implementing comprehensive ESG reporting to meet shareholder, stakeholder, and regulatory requirements.
Sub-Committee
These sub-committees support NDSI’s objectives by driving key activities like fund development, engagement, advocacy, learning, development, and global partnerships. Each sub-committee includes nominated co-chairs and voluntary members who have a specific interest and expertise in these areas.
Leadership Group
The leadership group provides oversight and takes strategic decision in the management of the NDSI.
Sbu Ngwane
Group Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at Old Mutual Limited
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Doubell Chamberlain
Founder and Managing Director | Cenfri
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Lesley Ndlovu
Chief Executive Officer of African Risk Capacity (ARC)
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Emeka Akwiwu
Group Executive Director | Continental Reinsurance Plc
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Butch Bacani
Head of Insurance | United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Programme Leader, UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance | Chair, UN Forum for Insurance Transition to Net Zero
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Kelvin Massingham
Director of Adaptation and Resilience | FSD Africa
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Patty Karuaihe
Managing Director | President of the African Insurance Organization (AIO)
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Philip Lopokoiyit
Director | CEO & Acting CEO, ICEA LION Group
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Steering Committee
The Steering Committee aims to deliver on the Strategy agreed by the Leadership Group each year. The Steering Committee has oversight of the day-to-day implementation of the of the NDSI Working Groups.
Iara Sousa
Africa & Middle East Implementation Officer UNEP FI, Co-Chair Learning & Development Sub-Committee NDSI
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Monday Utomwen
Chief Risk Officer WAICA Reinsurance, Co-Chair ESG Taxonomy Working Group
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Rose Wanda
Secretary General OESAI, Co-Chair, Learning & Development Sub-Committee
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Wakesho Sonje
ESG Specialist ICEA Lion, Co-Chair ESG Taxonomy Working Group NDSI
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Sesilia Nkoshi
Senior Underwriter Namib Re, Co-Chair ESG Roadmap and Reporting Working Group NDSI
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Mia Thom
Technical Director CENFI, Co-Chair ESG Roadmap & Reporting Working Group NDSI
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Liz Booth
Managing Editor Africa Ahead, Co-chair Engagement & Advocacy Sub-Committee NDSI
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Elsie Mbera
Group Communications Manager.continental Re
Secretariat Committee
Zillah Malia
Senior Manager, Climate Finance, Adaptation & Resilience, FSD Africa
Titus Kisenga
Programme Assistant, Adaptation & Resilience
Maria Karuru
Programme Manager, Adaptation & Resilience, FSD Africa
NDSI invites insurers, policymakers, and organisations across Africa to join this transformative initiative.
Together, we can shape a sustainable future by managing today’s risks and creating opportunities for tomorrow.
