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Being an actuary: our EMEA members' experience

Throughout the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region we’re seeing rapid growth in all branches of the actuarial profession. Members from Kenya and Nigeria tell us what inspired them to take on this challenging career and what they enjoy about being an actuary.

Mukami NjeruMukami Njeru, Fellow: Nairobi, Kenya

"Having qualified after an arduous journey involving various CA3 attempts, this instilled in me consistency, attention to detail and an appreciation for professionalism. It also  inspired me to be part of the ongoing development of the profession, as I believe that actuaries can make a tangible difference to society. Given the opportunity to volunteer

I did so in various capacities as a career ambassador, a guinea pig for certain exams, and as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) co-ordinator for qualified actuaries at one of my employers. 

I am based in East Africa and am involved in the development of the profession in this region. Volunteering keeps me up to date with best practice within the global profession and allows me to be relevant both locally and internationally. I recommend it as I benefit from being kept up to date with the evolution of the profession, understanding the breadth of events the profession has to offer and keeping abreast of technical matters in my areas of interest."

Felix OwinoFelix Owino, Student: Kenya

“I really want to say thank you once again in appreciation of this golden opportunity.  Golden because the 400 Club has given a chance to a student voice to be heard from the deep village hearts of Africa in Kisumu-Kenya; how awesome these days. I have got more insights concerning the profession, latest being the IFoA Actuarial Knowledge Hub, CMI, timely updates on upcoming events and debates etc.”

Olawale AyodejiOlawale Ayodeji, Junior Actuarial Specialist: Nigeria

"From a young age, I dreamt of a career that would allow me to use my strong mathematical skills in a real-life situation. So my career goal has always been to be an actuary. The use of mathematics to solve problems greatly appeals to me especially when applied to complex real-life situations.

As a Junior Actuarial Specialist I work under the supervision of a fully qualified actuary (IFoA), which I believe is a privilege considering there are no more than 15 qualified actuaries in Nigeria. I have been able to pass six papers from the Institute within two years and I hope to complete the actuarial exams in a space of about four–five years.

I believe that the study of actuarial science and a future career as an actuary is a highly rewarding one, both financially and intellectually. I strongly believe that actuaries play a very important and essential role 
in analysing and shaping the state of the economy of any country. 

Each sector of this profession is equally important, although I am particularly keen on working within the pension and insurance sector. I am deeply concerned about the dearth of actuarial skills in Nigeria, which is also a motivation for pursuing the course and add my quota to its needs in my home country."

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Events calendar

  • Autumn Lecture 2020: Professor Elroy Dimson

    Online webinar
    14 October 2020

    Spaces available

    Many individuals and institutions have a long-term focus, and invest funds for the benefit of future generations. Their strategy should reflect their long horizon. University endowments are one of the oldest classes of institutional investor, and I will present the first study of the management of these endowments over the very long term.

  • GIRO Conference 2020 Webinar Series

    Available to watch globally in November.
    02-13 November 2020
    Spaces available

    This year's GIRO has been re-designed as a virtual conference to offer members and non-members the opportunity to get up to date content from leading experts in the general insurance field via online webinars. All sessions will be recorded and made available to purchase and re-watch post-event on the IFoA's GI Online Learning Resource area. 

  • Life Conference 2020 Webinar Series

    Online
    16 November 2020 - 27 November 2020

    Spaces available

    This year's Life Conference has been re-designed as a virtual conference to offer members and non-members the opportunity to get up to date content from leading experts in the life insurance field via online webinars. All sessions will be recorded and made available to purchase and re-watch post-event on the IFoA's website.

  • Autumn Pensions Webinar: To the end game and beyond

    Webinar
    2 December 2020

    Spaces available

    The webinar will discuss the challenges and opportunities schemes face in evaluating end game options, choosing a target state and understanding the impact this strategic decision could have on member outcomes long after the “end state” is reached. Adolfo, Kevin and Rhian bring over 60 years of experience in the industry and a variety of perspectives as scheme actuary, covenant adviser, trustee, de-risking adviser and insurer.

  • Autumn Pensions Webinar: Cash is King - What next for CDI?

    Webinar
    4 December 2020

    Spaces available

    Cash-flow driven investing is a game-changer for DB pension funds navigating their end-game. Suitable for sponsors who want to reduce risks on their balance sheets. And for trustees, it shifts the focus to providing greater certainty of returns, managing funding level volatility and ensuring they have enough income to pay cash-flow requirements.

  • Autumn Pensions Webinar: Legal update - The letter of the law

    Webinar
    7 December 2020

    Spaces available

    Patrick Kennedy, Partner at Gateley Legal and Founding Director of Entrust (a leading professional pensions trustee company), will be delivering an update on the latest legal developments during the course of 2020. With both a pensions legal perspective and over 25 years of trustee service, Patrick will seek to highlight how the letter of the law has continued to evolve against the backdrop of a difficult and challenging year

  • Autumn Pensions Webinar: Impact of Dividends

    Webinar
    8 December 2020

    Spaces available

    The talk will provide an understanding of the priorities and relationships between deficit reduction contributions, in the context of wider scheme funding, and different types of value outflow from the employer based on the working party’s recently published report.