Lesley was selected for his leadership of the innovative hybrid mutual insurer and financial affiliate of the ARC Group, which has been pioneering parametric insurance in Africa to build climate resilience.

Over the past decade, amid escalating climate-driven disasters across Africa, ARC Ltd. has disbursed $230 million in claims payouts to member states and provided coverage to 50 million people.

Under Ndlovu’s leadership, ARC Ltd. has expanded its network of members, donors and partners, increasing access to affordable insurance across the continent and extending protection to marginalised communities, such as refugees, for the first time.

According to TIME, the selection process was influenced by the prominent 2024 theme of climate finance and a focus on candidates demonstrating measurable, scalable achievements and recent action. Ndlovu was recognised in the ‘Defenders’ category, highlighting his leadership in protecting vulnerable African communities from climate risks.

His membership on the Board of Directors of the UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance and his involvement with the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero further reflects his commitment to sustainable practices and addressing climate change.

Says Ndlovu: “It is an honour to be included in the prestigious TIME100 Climate list of changemakers. This recognition underscores the critical role of innovative financial solutions, like parametric insurance, in protecting lives and livelihoods from the escalating impacts of climate change. We remain committed to building climate resilience, and our goal is to expand coverage to all 55 African Union States by 2034.”

See Lesley Ndlovu’s #TIME100Climate list profile here: https://time.com/7172504/lesley-ndlovu/

For the full list click here: https://time.com/time100-climate