Seelan Naidoo

The necessity for African countries to embrace net zero ambitions is an important one. Overall, there is a genuine commitment, but many African countries are also beset with other pressing challenges, for example struggling economies, increasing foreign debt, high levels of unemployment, poverty and malnutrition for its citizens.

What African countries need is a balanced approach, whether we’re talking about reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere or persistent drought conditions brought about by climate change, the insurance industry (both local and foreign) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the longer-term viability of these economies and bringing about change in a sustainable manner.

We need partnerships that create sustainability for the long term, and therefore my decision to support intent, behind the Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance.