Zimbabwe: IPEC Says Projects Must Guarantee Returns Before Accessing Pension Funds

What the report says

Zimbabwe’s Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has said it will back only projects that are commercially sound and able to deliver a return on investment before any insurance or pension money is committed. The position was outlined by IPEC Commissioner Dr Grace Muradzikwa at the 2026 Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference in Bulawayo, where she addressed policymakers and project developers seeking institutional funding.

According to New Zimbabwe, Muradzikwa said the insurance and pensions industry has limited new capital available and must therefore prioritize proposals with clear bankability, strong value for money and sustainable returns. She argued that while the government sees these funds as a possible source of long-term development finance, the commission’s duty is to protect policyholders and pension scheme members from unnecessary risk.

The article also noted that, as of June 2026, the sector had only limited amounts available across short-term insurers, life assurers and pension funds. In general, prescribed assets are meant to direct institutional savings into approved development projects, but IPEC said developmental goals cannot override financial prudence. The broader significance is that Zimbabwe’s authorities may continue seeking pension-backed financing for national projects, but regulators appear set to apply stricter standards before allowing access to those savings.