Lift Others As You Rise

Fikira Ntomola, President, Tanzania Women in Finance Association (TAWiFA), General Secretary, Africa Insurance Women Association (AIWA), Managing Director, FBN Insurance Brokers Limited, Tanzania

The Managing Director of FBN Insurance Brokers in Tanzania, Fikira Ntomola caught up with the editor at Africa Insurance Magazine (AIM), Andrew Chinoperekwei to understand how she is creating sanity islands for other women to thrive and flourish. The conversation further unpacked her submissions on the significance of inner strength and clarity in revolutionizing female executives’ transformation approach?

AIM: What does the 2025 theme #AccelerateAction for International Women’s Day mean to you as a female executive in the African insurance industry?

FN: For me, #AccelerateAction is a resounding call to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward gender equity in leadership, professional development, and industry transformation. It signifies an urgent need to implement policies and frameworks that ensure women not only have a seat at the table but also hold decision-making positions that influence meaningful change.

In the African insurance industry, where women remain underrepresented in executive roles, #AccelerateAction is about driving strategic initiatives that enable women to rise, thrive, and lead. It means advocating for equal pay, creating mentorship pipelines, and dismantling systemic barriers that limit women’s participation and advancement.

 AIM: How are you creating ‘sanity islands’ for women at FBN to thrive and flourish?

FN: At FBN Insurance Brokers, we have consciously built a corporate culture that nurtures women’s professional and personal well-being. Given that 70% of our workforce comprises women, we recognize the importance of creating a workplace environment that supports them in thriving and excelling by focusing on inclusion, mentorship and mental wellness.

AIM: Cultivating a self-empowering mindset as a female executive in the African insurance industry – based on your professional experiences, what is the significance of inner strength and clarity in revolutionizing female executives’ transformation approach?

FN: Inner strength and clarity are the foundation of impactful leadership. In a male dominated industry like insurance, women executives must cultivate a strong sense of self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence to navigate challenges and drive transformation.

Inner strength allows women to remain steadfast in their vision, overcome biases, and lead with confidence despite external pressures. It fuels perseverance, enabling female executives to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and make decisions that contribute to sustainable industry growth.

Clarity of purpose and vision is equally vital. It helps women stay focused on their long-term goals and make strategic choices that align with their values and aspirations. With clarity, female leaders can harness their influence to uplift others, build meaningful networks, and introduce innovative solutions that propel the industry forward.

Moreover, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in leadership transformation. Women who cultivate empathy, adaptability, and effective communication create inclusive and empowering work environments. This, in turn, leads to stronger teams, increased collaboration, and greater success at both organizational and industry levels.

In essence, female executives who harness inner strength and clarity are not only able to rise above challenges but also pave the way for other women to do the same, ensuring a legacy of progressive and inclusive leadership in the African insurance sector.

AIM: What skills and capabilities should women leaders in the African insurance industry amplify to manifest and inspire regenerative change?

FN: For women leaders to drive meaningful and regenerative change in the African insurance industry, in my view, we must continuously refine and amplify a combination of technical, strategic, and interpersonal skills. Key capabilities that are crucial include:

• Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making: The ability to analyze trends, anticipate industry shifts, and make informed, future-oriented decisions is essential for creating lasting impact.
• Negotiation & Influence: Women in leadership must develop strong negotiation skills to advocate for fair policies, secure high-value deals, and establish themselves as authoritative voices in the industry.
• Digital Adaptability & Innovation: With the rise of Insurtech and digital transformation, female executives must embrace technology-driven solutions, ensuring they stay ahead in an increasingly digitalized sector.
• Financial Acumen & Risk Management: Understanding financial models, investment strategies, and risk management frameworks enables women leaders to make data-driven decisions that enhance business growth.
• Emotional Intelligence & Communication: The ability to lead with empathy, foster teamwork, and communicate effectively is crucial in creating inclusive and high-performing workplaces.
• Mentorship & Talent Development: Women leaders should actively invest in the next generation by mentoring and sponsoring young talent, ensuring a strong pipeline of future female leaders.

AIM: Word of wisdom to female executives and the next generation of leaders…

FN: To all the women striving for leadership in the insurance industry and beyond: own your space, be bold and authentic, embrace continuous learning, and support other women. Remember that your impact is not just about what you achieve for yourself—it’s about the legacy of transformation and empowerment you leave behind. Keep pushing boundaries, breaking ceilings, and accelerating action for the future of women in the industry. Above all lift others as you rise.