SA hosts international terrorism and risk insurance conference

Cape Town - South Africa is set to make history as it becomes the first African country to host the International Forum of Terrorism Risk (Re)Insurance Pools (IFTRIP) Global Conference. Organised by Sasria SOC Ltd, the state-owned special risks insurer, the event will take place from 14 to 15 May 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

This important international gathering will bring together leaders from sovereign-backed terrorism reinsurance pools, senior policymakers, global reinsurers, and experts in risk management. Under the theme “Global risk resilience: Harnessing collaborative power in a shifting global landscape”, the conference will focus on building international cooperation in response to growing global instability.

Tackling complex and interconnected threats

Delegates will explore a wide range of modern risks, including terrorism, political violence, systemic cyber threats, and climate-related disasters. The forum aims to encourage closer partnerships between governments and the insurance industry to build resilience and strengthen response strategies to these pressing challenges.

High-level dialogue on global and national priorities

Dr Naledi Pandor, Chairperson of the Board at the Nelson Mandela Foundation and former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, will deliver a keynote titled “Geopolitics in crisis: How global conflicts and resource threats shape international relations”. Her address will link the worlds of diplomacy, development, and disaster risk management.

A timely platform for joint action

“Hosting the IFTRIP Conference in 2025 is a significant moment for South Africa,” said Mpumi Tyikwe, CEO of Sasria SOC Ltd. “As the world faces rising geopolitical tension, advanced cyber threats, climate disruption, and the resurgence of political violence, collaboration is no longer optional. This forum is about shared learning, joint problem-solving, and laying the foundation for a more resilient global future.” The timing is especially important as South Africa holds the G20 Chairship for 2025, offering an opportunity to position the country at the centre of global discussions on economic and risk resilience.

Towards a more secure world

More than 20 terrorism reinsurance pools are expected to attend, including representatives from countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, Australia, the United States and others. Key sessions will address challenges such as the financing of terrorism, cyber terrorism, election-related risks, migration patterns and the climate crisis. IFTRIP 2025 aims to encourage new global partnerships and spark innovation in how governments and insurers can respond to increasingly complex risks.