Our Commitment to Sustainability
Benjamin Kamanga
Director, Strategy & Investments
“ZEP-RE aspires to be a leader in corporate sustainability. We are committed to the journey – as a business partner, an employer, a community member, an environmental steward, and a value creator for shareholders. By thinking and acting sustainably, we will deliver excellent customer service and strong financial results that will position the company for a sustainable future.”
Incorporating Sustainability into Our Strategy
Our 1Believe strategy identifies Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) as a key enabler for the growth and development of our business. We believe that by incorporating ESG into our operations, we can achieve positive financial and non-financial returns in the COMESA region. We have embarked on an ESG journey to ensure we are able to identify our strengths and potential opportunities to leverage our brand and improve our social license to operate as well as, to set measurable targets for long-term monitoring and reporting.
Our Benefits to Society
At ZEP-RE, one of our founding objectives is to support socio-economic growth in the COMESA region. As such, we have identified the key role that ESG can play in supporting our strategy and developmental mandate. Through this quest to safeguard the environment, our employees, and the communities within which we operate, we strive to accelerate our ability to have a sustainable impact in the COMESA region.
Supporting Frameworks and Initiatives
Principle for Sustainable Insurance
ZEP-RE is a signatory to the UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI). Launched at the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, the PSI initiative serves as a global framework for the insurance industry to address environmental, social, and governance risks and opportunities.
Through this initiative, ZEP-RE shall work to ensure that our industry will balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability in their company strategies for a better world.
To realise this aim, we will use our intellectual, operational, and capital capacities to implement the PSI across our spheres of influence.
Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance
On 22 April 2021, ZEP-RE was privileged to sign The Nairobi Declaration – a declaration of commitment by African insurance industry leaders to support the achievement of the UN SDGs.
As risk managers, insurers and investors, the African insurance industry has a key role to play in promoting economic, social, and environmental sustainability— in other words, sustainable development—including ensuring a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
At ZEP-RE, we have entrenched sustainability at the core of our operations and are committed to deepening financial inclusion by availing appropriate risk management solutions. We are delighted and honoured to become signatories to the Nairobi Declaration for Sustainable Insurance as it aligns with our strategy and founding mandate.
Policies
Sustainability is a business method that ensures safety, efficiency and responsibility in a manner that protects ZEP-RE employees, communities, shareholders and the environment, now and in the future.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Policy Statement
The governance of our daily operations aligns business performance with a commitment to environmental, social, and community stewardship.
Anti-Money Laundering Policy Statement
ZEP-RE is committed to the highest standards of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and requires the Board, management, and employees to adhere to these standards to prevent the use of our products and services for money laundering purposes.
As a COMESA institution, ZEP- RE also has an obligation vis-à-vis its stakeholders to enforce its AML policy efficiently and effectively. The policy is formulated and directed by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Whistleblowing Policy Statement
ZEP-RE has developed a Whistleblowing policy to demonstrate an open culture and management accountability, which is essential to prevent misconduct and to address any issues correctly if and when they occur.
This policy aims to encourage employees and others, who work alongside us, who have serious concerns about any wrongdoings, such as reporting of unethical conduct or illegal practices in the workplace, to come forward and voice those concerns.
Depending on the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue and on who is suspected of the wrongdoing – concerns can be raised to: The Company Whistleblowing Officer at complaints@zep-re.com