The Baobab Advantage: Strength, Growth, and Resilience

The Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) Conference is more than just an annual event, it’s a reflection of the insurance industry’s evolution, resilience, and future direction. In this discussion, we talk with Thokozile Mhlangu, CEO of IISA, about the industry’s outlook for 2025 and the theme of this year’s event: “The Baobab Advantage – Multifaceted Growth and Continuous Evolution.”

Much like the Baobab tree, which thrives in harsh environments, the insurance industry has remained stable through economic shifts, technological disruptions, and global challenges. Thokozile discusses how the conference reflects this resilience, highlighting the growing diversity of attendees, the new meeting pod initiative for business engagements, and the balance between education, networking, and industry collaboration.

We also explore the broader role of the insurance industry in driving economic stability, sustainability, and risk management, and how professionals can thrive in an ever-changing environment. With 2025 being embraced as “20-Thrive”, this episode captures the optimism and innovation shaping the industry’s future.

Whether you’re an insurance professional, broker, or industry leader, this episode provides an insider’s look at what to expect from the IISA Conference and the trends influencing the sector. Tune in to learn how the industry is evolving and why the Baobab Advantage is the perfect theme for this year’s event.

Key points

• 2025 is being embraced as "20-Thrive", focusing on growth, leadership, and excellence in the insurance industry.

• The IISA Conference theme, "The Baobab Advantage," symbolises strength, diversity, and interconnectedness, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of the insurance sector.

• The insurance industry has remained stable despite challenges such as climate change, economic shifts, and technological disruptions.

• The conference balances education, networking, and social engagement, ensuring value for all attendees, whether they come for learning, business meetings, or industry connections.

• Conference demographics have shifted significantly, with more women and younger professionals attending, reflecting the evolving nature of the industry.

• New conference features include meeting pods for private business engagements and adjusted schedules to accommodate both content-driven sessions and networking opportunities.

• Sponsorship challenges impact the return of themed parties, but social elements remain an integral part of the event experience.

• The insurance industry plays a vital role in economic stability, sustainability, and risk management, much like the Baobab tree supports its ecosystem.