ZimRe Holdings profit jumps 36%
.... as reinsurance, regional expansion drive record bottomline
ROBIN PHIRI
ZimRe Holdings Limited (ZHL) has posted a 36% surge in profit to USD 13.3 m for the first nine months of 2025, marking its highest earnings for the period.
The strong performance was underpinned by robust insurance contract revenue, strategic regional expansion, and solid investment income, reflecting a company capitalising on both domestic recovery and opportunities across Southern Africa.
The gain came on the back of a 20% rise in total income to USD 76.4 m , driven by a 26% increase in insurance contract revenue, which climbed to USD 54.9 m, alongside resilient investment returns.
“ZHL’s performance reflects the broader rebound in Southern Africa, anchored by strong gold deliveries and a record tobacco harvest,” said Ruvimbo Chidora, company secretary. “Our diversified clusters, from reinsurance to property, have all contributed to this growth, and we are well positioned to capitalise on the continent’s infrastructure needs.”
The reinsurance and reassurance cluster led growth, posting a 24% rise in income to USD 44.1 m, fuelled by new business from emerging markets and steady organic growth. Short-term insurance also turned a corner, with income jumping 90% to USD 3.8 m, driven by a renewed focus on core direct business and a surge in bonds and guarantees.
Property income soared 73% to USD 3.8 m, supported by higher turnover rentals and fair value gains on investment properties. Although occupancy slipped to 80% from 86% a year earlier, reflecting subdued demand for central business district office space—the cluster remains a strategic asset within ZHL’s long-term liability strategy.
“The Life and Pensions cluster’s income grew by 35% to USD 20.2 m from USD 15.0 m. This impressive growth was primarily anchored by the continued disruptive nature of the Vaka Yako product, new business pipelines, and organic growth. The cluster also benefited from strong investment income, buoyed by a thriving regional stock market,” Chidora added.
Looking ahead, ZHL plans to sustain its investment momentum through the Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust, pursue the Emeritus International capital raise, and leverage digital platforms to reach underserved and diaspora markets.
With Zimbabwe’s GDP forecast revised upward to 6.6% and gold deliveries hitting 32.9 tonnes, ZHL’s results suggest the company is not only riding the nation’s recovery but also laying the foundation for sustained growth across Southern Africa.
