African College of Insurance appoints new CEO

Dar es Salaam. The African College of Insurance and Social Protection (ACISP) has appointed Ms Cikay Richards the new chief executive officer (CEO) effective August 3, 2024.

Ms Richards takes the helm at the Dar es Salaam-based institution, replacing Mr Sosthenes Kewe as part of the college’s transformative journey.

With a focus on education, research, and professional development, ACISP plays a crucial role in shaping the future of vital industries of oversight.

A public notice issued by ACISP says with her strategic insights, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Ms Richards is expected to guide the college into a new era of growth and success.

Ms Richards holds a Master's Degree in Philosophy in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin, a BA Honours in International Relations from Dublin City University, and advanced qualifications in Project Management from the Institute of Project Management in Ireland.

“In Ms Richards, ACISP has found a leader who embodies the values of innovation, collaboration, and dedication to public service,” reads part of the notice.

The future of ACISP, under Richards' stewardship, the notice says, looks promising and full of potential, heralding a new chapter of excellence and impact for the institution and the sectors it serves.

Her career spans multiple continents, including Africa, Europe, and Latin America, justifying her ability to foster collaborative success and drive sustainable development.

Ms Richards' diverse background includes management consulting, international development, investment and trade facilitation, and nonprofit leadership.

Being the founder and partner of Rehoboth Advisory, she successfully managed large-scale projects and secured multi-million-dollar contracts.

Serving as the European Business Group Tanzania (EUBG) executive director, Ms Richards led to the significant boosting of trade relations between Tanzania and Europe.

“Her leadership enhanced the increase in trade flows between the two regions to €1.3 billion, demonstrating her exceptional ability to drive economic growth and foster international partnerships,” reads another part.

 Her impact extended to her role at the Irish Embassy in Tanzania, where she revitalised the Ireland-Tanzania Scholarship Programme, leading to an eight-fold increase in applications.

Ms Richards’s innovative online and social media strategies significantly boosted the embassy's engagement, displaying her ability to leverage modern tools for enhanced outreach and impact, hence winning the most innovative award with the embassy.

In 2021, she was recognised as one of the top 50 women in management in Africa who has continually inspired and mentored leaders and organisations with her strategic insights and empathetic leadership.

Ms Richards embodies the ethos of a global citizen, bridging diverse cultures and driving impactful change wherever she leads.

she served as the Lyra in Africa Tanzania CEO, the Connect Centre for Future Networks, and Europe’s headquarters of telecommunications research located at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland where she honed her skills in managing high-stake client relations and coordinating pivotal research projects.

“Her tenure at EY in Switzerland, where she served as the Africa lead for the international development team, underscored her ability to excel under pressure,” reads the notice.

She consistently delivered high-quality work, focused on achieving company goals, increasing profits, and reducing costs while maintaining robust client relationships.

Her expertise in process improvement and change management ensured enhanced efficiency and organisational success.

With rational decision-making and clear communication, she effectively conveys complex decisions, earning respect and appreciation from customers, colleagues, and superiors for professionalism and helpfulness.