(i) Actuarial Science Research Group
Research Group Lead : Mr. Saiding Munyala
The Actuarial Science Research Group advances quantitative research that strengthens the understanding, modelling, and management of financial, demographic, and health-related risks in modern economies. Drawing on advanced statistical modelling, actuarial analytics, and financial risk frameworks, the cluster addresses complex challenges facing pension systems, investment management, insurance solvency, and public health policy. The research integrates actuarial science with financial economics and regulatory analysis to develop evidence-based solutions for sustainable pension systems, resilient financial institutions, and effective risk governance. The cluster’s work spans five complementary sub-fields: risk assessment and modelling, pension and retirement sustainability, financial risk and investment strategy, regulatory compliance and solvency frameworks, and disease modelling and health economics. Together, these areas provide a comprehensive research platform that supports financial stability, long-term retirement security, and improved public policy design. By producing rigorous actuarial research and applied analytics, the cluster contributes to the advancement of actuarial science while supporting regulators, financial institutions, and policymakers in managing uncertainty and long-term risk.
1. Risk Assessment and Management
Lead: Mr. Saiding Munyala
Nqobile Chirwa
Mr Jaji,
2. Pension and Retirement Planning
Lead: Ms. Belinda Khumalo
Mr. Anthony Mandishona
3. Financial Risk and Investment Strategies
Lead: Dr. Mbakisi Dube
4. Regulatory Issues and Compliance
Lead: Dr Kathleen Mpofu
Mr. Nqobizitha Ndlovu
Mr. Jaji
5. Disease Modelling and Health Economics
Lead: Dr. Noble Malunguza
Mr. Nqobile Chirwa
(ii) Insurance and Risk Management Research Group
Research Group Lead : Ms. Smarntha Shonhiwa
The Insurance and Risk Management Research Group focuses on advancing knowledge on the identification, measurement, and management of risks within insurance markets, financial systems, and emerging economic sectors. The cluster integrates quantitative risk modelling, enterprise risk frameworks, insurance analytics, and climate risk assessment to strengthen the resilience of insurance institutions and risk management practices. Research within this cluster explores five key areas: risk assessment and quantification, enterprise risk management, insurance pricing and underwriting analytics, reinsurance and risk transfer mechanisms, and agriculture and climate risk insurance. Particular emphasis is placed on innovative insurance solutions, predictive analytics in underwriting, and climate-responsive risk products that support economic resilience and sustainable development.
Through interdisciplinary research and advanced risk analytics, the cluster contributes to improved insurance product design, stronger risk governance, and more robust financial protection systems. Its work supports insurers, regulators, and policymakers in developing adaptive risk management frameworks capable of responding to evolving financial, environmental, and societal risks.
1. Risk Assessment and Quantification
Lead: Ms. Samkelisiwe Bhebhe
2. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
Lead: Ms. Belinda Khumalo
3. Insurance Pricing and Underwriting
Lead: Mr. Saiding Munyala
4. Reinsurance and Risk Transfer
Lead: Ms Pamela Dube
Mr Agrippa Marangwanda
5. Agriculture and Climate Risk Insurance
Lead: Mr. Tawanda Manunure