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Cigna Healthcare Announces Partnership with AAR Insurance to Provide New Services in East Africa

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Cigna Healthcare

This collaboration is set to transform the insurance landscape in East Africa, delivering comprehensive and unmatched insurance coverage

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 22, 2023/APO Group/ — 

With Cigna’s new insurance (www.Cigna.com) partnership in Kenya, policyholders can access medical treatment within Kenya and tap into a global network of top-tier healthcare providers; The launch event was attended by the CEO of Cigna International Markets, the US Ambassador to Kenya, and the Board Chair of AAR Insurance Kenya.

Cigna Healthcare, a renowned global health insurance company, has announced its new partnership with AAR Insurance Kenya. This collaboration is set to transform the insurance landscape in East Africa, delivering comprehensive and unmatched insurance coverage.

The launch event, held today at the US Ambassador’s House in Nairobi, Kenya, witnessed the presence of Meg Whitman, US Ambassador to Kenya, Jerome Droesch, CEO – Domestic Health and Health Services, International Health, Cigna Healthcare, Ms. Esther Koimett, Board Chair of AAR Insurance Kenya and Dr. Patrick Gatonga, Group CEO of AAR Insurance Kenya. Other attendees included senior representatives from over 60 government entities and embassies, as well as representatives of the international health and insurance industries.

This Cigna and AAR Insurance Kenya partnership seamlessly blends local expertise with global reach, providing policyholders with unmatched access to healthcare services on a global scale. With this expanded coverage, policyholders will enjoy the flexibility to seek medical treatment within Kenya and tap into a network of world-class healthcare providers across the globe.

Jerome Droesch, CEO of Cigna International Markets Business for Domestic Health and Health Services, said, “This achievement signifies a major milestone in Cigna’s longstanding presence in Africa, a market we’ve proudly served for over 60 years. By combining our global expertise with AAR Insurance’s deep understanding of the local market, this partnership delivers unmatched healthcare coverage to policyholders, addressing the demand for innovative insurance solutions that align with Kenya’s specific needs and shaping a robust future for the insurance industry in the nation.”

This achievement signifies a major milestone in Cigna’s longstanding presence in Africa, a market we’ve proudly served for over 60 years

Ms. Esther Koimett, Board Chair of AAR Insurance Kenya, emphasized, “Through our partnership with Cigna Healthcare, we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet diverse needs in East Africa. This collaboration will introduce a range of superior insurance products that provide both local and international coverage, paving the way for a future where comprehensive health coverage knows no boundaries.”

Meg Whitman, US Ambassador to Kenya, said, “Creating the right business environment and partnering with the private sector is essential for Kenya to expand access to quality healthcare for all its citizens.  Our embassy is working with the Government of Kenya and the private sector to continuously improve the business environment, so that innovative U.S. companies in the healthcare sector such as Cigna can grow and expand in Kenya.”    

In addition to global health services, the partnership offers various other benefits, including an employee assistance program, telehealth services, clinical care for critical illnesses, mental health solutions, and access to an online well-being solution – LVL Wellbeing. Members can also access policy details and claims from anywhere and at any time through the Cigna mobile app.

The new partnership in Kenya complements Cigna’s extensive portfolio, which encompasses more than 190 million customer relationships in over 30 countries and jurisdictions.

With a legacy of over 200 years, Cigna Healthcare is committed to its promise of being together all the way in providing healthcare, clinical management, and wellness programs to employers, individuals, and governments around the world.

This strategic alliance represents a convergence of minds, a meeting of two entities driven by a shared commitment to excellence and a profound dedication to the well-being of our communities. With its longstanding reputation for reliability and commitment to local needs, Cigna has found a like-minded partner in AAR Insurance, an industry leader in Kenya renowned for its expertise, reach, and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare solutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cigna Healthcare.

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Ministers among hundreds of energy-sector leaders to attend AOW event

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Sinclair

The event kicks off with an invitation-only ministerial symposium focused on the theme of “Fostering innovation, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable growth in the oil, gas, and energy sectors”

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

AOW: Investing in African Energy (https://AOWEnergy.com) – Africa’s leading oil, gas and energy event – has confirmed attendance for more than 80 ministers and senior officials, representing African governments, energy departments and regulators at next month’s event.

These influential stakeholders will be among the more than 1 600 senior delegates and industry leaders who will be attending the event to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa’s energy future.

The event kicks off with an invitation-only ministerial symposium focused on the theme of “Fostering innovation, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable growth in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.”

Given the recent major oil-and-gas discoveries across Africa, the energy transition and major geopolitical events, it is clear that the energy sector needs positive intervention

Among the officials and government ministers attending will be energy leaders from South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Eswatini, Uganda, CAR, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Gabon, Malawi, Morocco, Zanzibar, Liberia, Senegal, Congo Brazzaville and Sierra Leone.

In addition, the event will feature high-level delegations from numerous national oil companies, as well as multilateral bodies including the African Union, (AU), African Energy Commission (AFREC), African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

AOW will see these energy leaders networking with C-suite executives and decision-makers from more than 760 top energy companies at daily networking events, to discuss insights, forge new relationships, and negotiate major energy deals.

“We are so excited to see the calibre of delegates at this year’s AOW event,” says Chief Executive Officer of Sankofa Events, Paul Sinclair. “Given the recent major oil-and-gas discoveries across Africa, the energy transition and major geopolitical events, it is clear that the energy sector needs positive intervention. The high-powered attendance proves AOW is a key platform to enable this intervention.”

Key themes to be discussed at this year’s AOW will be sustainable upstream development; expanding gas value chains; renewables and new energies; adoption of best-in-class technologies; and access to finance.

AOW: Investing in African Energy will culminate in a special anniversary party at Groot Constantia Vineyard to celebrate 30 years of the AOW event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.

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Afreximbank approves US$20.8 million for Starlink Global’s cashew factory project in Lagos

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PAPSS

The facility is expected to promote value addition which will guarantee increased earnings to the company while also fostering the creation of about 400 new jobs

CAIRO, Egypt, October 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has approved a US$20.8 million financing facility for Nigeria-based Starlink Global & Ideal Limited to enable the company construct and operate a 30,000-metric tonne per annum cashew processing factory in Lagos.

We are delighted at this partnership which promises to deliver significant impact on employment in Nigeria

According to the facility agreement signed in on July 22, 2024, Afreximbank will provide the funds in two tranches with the first tranche of US$7.48M going toward capital expenditure for the construction of the factory and the second, totalling US$13.25M to be deployed as working capital for the operations of the factory.

The facility is expected to promote value addition which will guarantee increased earnings to the company while also fostering the creation of about 400 new jobs once the factory becomes operational. It is also expected to support about 40 small and medium-sized enterprises.

Commenting on the transaction, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra Africa Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, said that by supporting Starlink Global to establish a modern processing facility, Afreximbank is making it possible for Africa to add value to its agro-commodities, thereby facilitating exports and subsequent inflow of much-needed foreign exchange into the continent.

“We are delighted at this partnership which promises to deliver significant impact on employment in Nigeria. It will contribute to value creation and to the development of the local community while also improving the lots of smallholder farmers and small business suppliers that will work with Starlink across the value chain,” Mrs. Awani added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Sonangol to Lead Decarbonized Oil & Gas (O&G) Development, Says Angolan National Oil Company (NOC) Head

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Sonangol

Participating in an on-stage interview at Angola Oil & Gas 2024, Sonangol CEO Sebastião Gaspar Martins emphasized that oil and gas remains a core focus for the national oil company

LUANDA, Angola, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Angola’s national oil company Sonangol reiterated its commitment to driving sustainable hydrocarbon development during the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference this week. Speaking during an “In-Conversation with” session, Sonangol CEO Sebastião Gaspar Martins stated that the company will not abandon oil and gas, but rather advance decarbonized oil and gas development.

We are looking at opportunities in the gas sector and have identified the right partner to develop non-associated gas

By investing in upstream oil and gas production while prioritizing low-carbon projects, Sonangol aims to boost national crude output, while diversifying and decarbonizing the industry. The NOC is focusing efforts on non-associated gas development, as well as alternative energy sources such as solar.

“We are looking at opportunities in the gas sector and have identified the right partner to develop non-associated gas. Gas produced from Angola LNG will be used for the production of fertilizer and we are evaluating the utilization of gas in the south of the country, linking gas with steel industries. We also have a blue carbon project, linked to the reduction of carbon through the plantation of mangroves. We have one area in Luanda and have identified four additional areas for this,” stated Gaspar Martins.

Sonangol has undergone transformation in recent years: following the creation of the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) in 2019, Sonangol transferred its role as national concessionaire and regulator. This transformation has aimed to make Sonangol more competitive and strengthen its capacity as an upstream operator. Concurrently, the government is partially privatizing the NOC, with privatization set to be complete in 2026. This process will enhance financial capacity, allowing Sonangol to drive new upstream projects forward.

“The transformation of Sonangol started several years ago, when we passed the regulatory, concessionaire role to the ANPG. At the time, we transferred almost 600 employees to the ANPG. After that, Sonangol underwent a restructuring program where we created five core business units from 36 different entities – starting with exploration and production. We want to go public, but we want to do it properly. So, we are currently going through all the processes to do this,” stated Gaspar Martins.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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