Eighteen years ago, Octagon started with a simple belief: everyone deserves a dignified retirement, and financial wellness should be a right, not a privilege. That conviction has guided us through ups and downs, cementing a guiding truth: we must keep moving forward and growing. Standing still just isn’t an option in 2025.
This year, we’ve seen real progress in Kenya, especially with the growth from NSSF Tier II contracting out. Our insurance business is also thriving thanks to new medical schemes coming on board through valued partnerships. These wins didn’t happen by chance. They reflect deliberate focus, clarity of purpose, and the strength of our
offering.
For us, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s how we do business. That’s why I was especially proud when Octagon Insurance Brokers was recognized as the Best Broker in Technology Application at the Think Business Insurance Awards, a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology to better serve our clients. In 2022, Octagon Pension Services was also honored with the Digital Transformation
Award at the Top 100 Awards, further affirming our dedication to driving innovation in the retirement
savings space. These recognitions aren’t just trophies, they are validation that we’re serious about creating services
that truly meet our clients’ needs, not in the distant future, but today. One of my personal highlights this year was seeing our second group of mentees graduate from Octagon’s mentorship program. To us, mentorship is more than just another HR initiative; it’s our way of sharing knowledge and building future leaders. Some of these young professionals are already making a name for themselves in the industry, and it’s rewarding to watch them, and Octagon grow together.
Our digital journey has taken a big step forward. We launched a revamped onboarding process, using OTP authentication and audit trails to make joining Octagon easier and more secure. It might sound technical, but at the heart of it, it’s about trust. Every secure interaction deepens the trust our clients place in us, and that’s what sustains relationships for the long haul. We have made training of trustees, HR Managers and members on the usage of our applications intentional, to ensure all of us benefit from the digitization process.
We’re also delivering strong investment performance across the region. In Kenya, our umbrella fund achieved an impressive 13.8% return,
outpacing many competitors. Uganda’s umbrella fund posted a solid 13.06%, while Zambia’s Africa 53 Pension Fund delivered a remarkable 25% interest, well ahead of the 16.7% inflation rate. These results reflect our disciplined strategy and unwavering commitment to growing our members’ wealth. None of this happens without a dedicated team. Our small but mighty Uganda team has signed up several new clients. We’re seeing strong client growth in Zambia as well. And In Kenya, our team has become more cohesive, especially with the appointment of Davis Ongiro as Acting CEO in February. It’s all about working as one to make our clients happy, and I believe we are on the right track. Looking ahead, we’re ready for more. In Zambia’s plans are underway to expand our footprint in the
country to reach more SMEs . We plan to postion ourselves strategically in Uganda, to serve the growing oil and energy sector. And in Kenya, we aim to grow our NSSF Tier 2 book and continue building
strong teams.
More than expanding our footprint, we’re committed to making financial tools available to everyone, from large corporations to the smallest SMEs in remote towns. Imagine an SME owner in Garissa signing up employees for a pension scheme with just a few clicks. Picture a farmer in Uganda investing in our “Sente’Yo” a short-term savings product tailored to their seasonal income. This is the Africa we are building, powered by innovation that meets people where they are. That’s what real inclusion looks like. When I think of 18 years, I think of a young adult stepping into the world, full of possibilities. That is exactly how I feel about Octagon today. Deciding to build our own tech platform years ago, the Octagon Pension Administration System, changed everything: Octagon Engage Newsletter 2025 – Feature News That single move unlocked scale, improved efficiency, and helped, acquire businesses like Alexander Forbes Zambia while offering seamless convenience to our clients. It’s been a game-changer in how we deliver pension services across the region.
Our biggest strength has always been our people. From mentorship and leadership training to collaborating across countries, we’ve focused on empowering our staff. That’s what makes Octagon more than just a business; it’s a team of builders, always learning and ready for what’s next.
In the years ahead, I see Octagon leading the way with new technology in pensions and insurance. We’re embracing AI and digital tools to reach millions across the continent. We want to make saving simple, take fear out of risk, and empower people to own their financial future. My dream is to see millions of Africans not just saving for retirement but receiving lifelong pensions, becoming financially secure and dignified in their later years. Nothing inspires me more than hearing
someone say, “Because of Octagon, I am living my dream in retirement.” To the Octagon family: thank you. You’ve built something that matters. Every challenge we’ve turned into an opportunity, every idea we’ve transformed into a solution. Keep challenging the
norm, keep pushing boundaries, and remember, innovation is not an event; it is a mindset. And to our clients, thank you for trusting us with your futures. You are our partners in this story of innovation. Together, we are changing not just businesses, but entire communities. Whether you’re a sponsor, a member, or a trustee, we’re walking this journey with you, always adapting and improving.
If I had to sum up 2025 in one word, it would be innovation. This is our year of transformation, of putting people at the center of everything we do. We’re not just looking ahead to the next quarter; we’re laying the foundation for the next 82 years
and beyond. And we’re doing it together, one idea, one solution, one life changed at a time.
