By Agencies

AfrexInsure, the speciality insurance unit wholly owned by the African Export-Import Bank, has appointed Lesley Ndlovu as chief executive officer effective 2026, as the firm seeks to expand its role in underwriting trade-related risks across the continent. He replaces Jonas Mushosho, who has since retired.

The leadership change comes as AfrexInsure moves beyond its start-up phase into a scale-up stage, positioning itself to address structural gaps in Africa’s insurance markets that have long constrained trade and investment flows. The company is tasked with developing locally anchored risk solutions to reduce reliance on offshore underwriting and reinsurance.

Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean national, joins with experience from global insurers, including AXA, African Risk Capacity and AXIS Capital. His background spans speciality risk underwriting, product development and operational leadership, skills seen as critical as AfrexInsure builds capacity in complex risk segments tied to trade and infrastructure.

At AXA Specialty, Ndlovu led the development of market-responsive insurance products targeting emerging risk categories, an experience that AfrexInsure is expected to leverage as it tailors solutions for Africa’s evolving trade landscape.

His career has also involved managing multidisciplinary teams in highly regulated environments, with a focus on governance, compliance and disciplined underwriting.

AfrexInsure, the speciality insurance unit wholly owned by the African Export-Import Bank, has appointed Lesley Ndlovu as chief executive officer effective 2026, as the firm seeks to expand its role in underwriting trade-related risks across the continent. He replaces Jonas Mushosho, who has since retired.

The leadership change comes as AfrexInsure moves beyond its start-up phase into a scale-up stage, positioning itself to address structural gaps in Africa’s insurance markets that have long constrained trade and investment flows. The company is tasked with developing locally anchored risk solutions to reduce reliance on offshore underwriting and reinsurance.

Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean national, joins with experience from global insurers, including AXA, African Risk Capacity and AXIS Capital. His background spans speciality risk underwriting, product development and operational leadership, skills seen as critical as AfrexInsure builds capacity in complex risk segments tied to trade and infrastructure.

At AXA Specialty, Ndlovu led the development of market-responsive insurance products targeting emerging risk categories, an experience that AfrexInsure is expected to leverage as it tailors solutions for Africa’s evolving trade landscape. His career has also involved managing multidisciplinary teams in highly regulated environments, with a focus on governance, compliance and disciplined underwriting.