UK-based global professional body Institute of Risk Management (IRM), which focuses on enterprise risk management, has set up its African subsidiary in Nairobi with eyes on sectors such as financial services.
This comes amid rising cross-border risks such as cybersecurity.
IRM, which has members from over 140 countries, has registered the African subsidiary as Risk Management Hub Africa. The Nairobi-based unit targets professionals, organisations, and governments in risk management.
IRM has named Joyce Ndirangu as the director of strategy and partnerships at Risk Management Hub Africa as it rolled out the subsidiary’s strategic operations in the continent.
The launch comes at a time when many firms in Africa are increasingly paying attention to risk management amidst economic instabilities, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related shocks threatening business continuity.
Ms Ndirangu will lead the African unit in driving risk management among organisations, coming at a time when the risk landscape in the continent is getting intricate as emerging threats such as climate change, cybersecurity, digital disruption, and evolving risks in human capital and governance rise.
“Our goal is to empower organisations and leaders to navigate complex risks with confidence and make informed decisions that drive growth and resilience,” she said.
“With Africa projected to be home to some of the fastest-growing economies and youngest populations globally, the hub is strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping risk management excellence across all sectors.”
IRM global risk management expertise spans multiple sectors, including insurance, banking and financial services, construction, infrastructure, oil, gas, energy and renewables, and health.
Ms Ndirangu previously served as regional executive officer at CFA Society East Africa— the regional lobby of investment professionals from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda— where she led initiatives in regional strategy, governance, advocacy, membership growth, and financial performance.
IRM has been expanding globally. Its members pay annual fees of between € 117 (Sh20,300) and € 243 (Sh42,250), depending on the size of their economy, giving them access to global risk management opportunities.
“The registration of this subsidiary is the culmination of years of dedicated work by regional groups and risk management professionals across Africa. This subsidiary reflects our ability to support professionals, organisations, and governments with world-class risk management standards, knowledge, and networks,” said Dorothy Maseke, chairperson of Risk Management Hub Africa.
The African market subsidiary will be charged with adapting global risk management standards to local contexts, expanding membership and professional engagement, providing technical leadership, and addressing emerging and sector-specific risks such as climate change, ESG, technology, and financial innovation.
