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Building Operational Resilience in Africa's Risk Landscape

At the heart of Africa’s future lies resilience, and building resilience is about more than just weathering storms—it's about creating a proactive, adaptable organizations capable of thriving amid uncertainty.

Africa's Emerging Risk Environment

Africa’s risk landscape in 2026 is defined by a dynamic interplay of global and regional factors. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2026 and Marsh’s Political Risks Report 2026, the continent faces heightened geopolitical fragmentation, economic pressures, and environmental challenges. Africa’s strategic role in global energy flows, trade corridors, and digital infrastructure exposes it to risks such as geoeconomic confrontation, state-based conflicts, extreme weather events, and cyber threats.

Top Risks Impacting Africa

Trade weaponization and shifting geopolitical blocs disrupt supply chains and investment flows, challenging Africa’s integration into global markets. Businesses must diversify supply chains and financing sources to mitigate exposure.

Regional conflicts threaten energy security, disrupt trade routes, and undermine investor confidence. Political risk insurance and scenario planning are critical to managing these risks.

Droughts, floods, and water scarcity strain infrastructure and food systems, complicating insurability and economic stability. Climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure investment are essential.

Africa’s rapidly growing labor force faces insufficient formal job creation, while sovereign debt and inflationary pressures constrain fiscal space. Workforce development and prudent economic policies are vital.

Cybersecurity threats and rapid AI adoption without mature governance increase operational vulnerabilities. Strengthening digital resilience and ethical AI frameworks is imperative.

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Event

Risk and Resilience Summit 2026

Amidst global uncertainty, the Marsh Risk & Resilience Summit delivers expert insights into the critical role insurance plays in strengthening resilience while driving sustainable growth.

Our team

Guy Royston

Guy Royston

Specialty Leader, Marsh Africa & CEO, Marsh McLennan Africa Regional Operations

  • South Africa

Alicia Goosen

Alicia Goosen

Risk Management Practice Leader, Marsh Africa

  • South Africa

Amy Firth

Amy Firth

Head of Risk Consulting, Marsh Risk, Africa

  • South Africa

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Harry Doyne Ditmas

Specialty Growth Leader and Infrastructure Practice Leader, Marsh Risk, Africa

  • South Africa

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Pieter Dingemans

Credit Speciality Leader, India, Middle East and North Africa

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Teri Solomon

Head of Claims Advocacy, Marsh Africa

  • South Africa

Alexandra Schudel

Alexandra Schudel

Head of FINPRO, Marsh Africa

  • South Africa

Mpumelelo Zulu

Mpume Zulu

Industry Leader: Manufacturing and Automotive

  • South Africa

Marlene Urquhart

Marlene Urquhart

Industry Leader: Retail and Real Estate, Marsh

  • South Africa

Neil	Beaumont

Neil Beaumont

Industry Leader: Mining & Heavy Industry - Africa

Jaco Smit

Jaco Smit

Industry Leader: Agriculture, Food and Beverage

  • South Africa