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Africa’s Insurance Leaders Shape a Resilient Future at the 10th Continental Reinsurance CEO Summit in Cape Town

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Reinsurance CEO Summit

Held under the theme “Africa in Action,” the two-day Summit convened over 100 insurance executives, regulators, and thought leaders from across the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2025/APO Group/ –The 10th edition of the Continental Reinsurance CEO Summit (www.Continental-Re.com) concluded in Cape Town with a powerful call to action for African insurance leaders: embrace innovation, cultivate adaptive leadership, and drive regional collaboration to future-proof the industry.

Held under the theme “Africa in Action,” the two-day Summit convened over 100 insurance executives, regulators, and thought leaders from across the continent for strategic dialogue and forward-looking reflection. This year’s gathering also marked a significant milestone — Continental Reinsurance’s 40th anniversary — celebrating four decades of commitment to risk management, capacity development, and pan-African resilience.

In his opening remarks, Lawrence Nazare, Group CEO of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, highlighted the urgent need for inclusive partnerships and agile leadership in navigating today’s socio-political and environmental volatility.

“Leadership in African insurance requires partnership. We must define guidelines that enable us to cope with the various changes taking place in our societies,” he said, urging the industry to turn challenges into collective opportunity.

A key focus of the Summit was the transformational potential of artificial intelligence (AI). William Mzimba, former CEO of Accenture and Vodacom, demonstrated how AI can accelerate product design by creating a tailored construction insurance solution for Nigeria in under five minutes. He cautioned, however, that the goal should be collaboration between humans and machines, not replacement. “We need to build a workforce that combines human empathy with AI-driven efficiency,” Mzimba emphasized.

A real-time poll at the Summit revealed that 61% of CEOs were open to using AI in underwriting, though 41% had not yet implemented it, reflecting both optimism and a measured pace of adoption.

Regulators from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe echoed the call for innovation. Godfrey Kiptum, Commissioner of Insurance (Kenya), stressed the importance of inclusive innovation to avoid deepening the digital divide. Nigeria’s Olusegun Omosehin called for agility in the face of geopolitical disruptions, while Uganda’s Alhaj Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega and Zimbabwe’s Dr. Grace Muradzikwa emphasized climate-responsive regulation and harmonized standards across African markets.

Nyimpini Mabunda, former CEO of General Electric Africa, urged CEOs to evolve beyond conventional leadership models. “The traditional CEO playbook is outdated. Innovation isn’t a department—it’s a culture,” he said, advocating for purpose-driven leadership grounded in African realities.

Another key session addressed the transition to risk-based capital (RBC) frameworks. Led by David Kirk, MD of Milliman Africa, with inputs from Jooste Steynberg of the South African Reserve Bank and Cedric Maxwell, Group Chief Risk Officer at Continental Re, the panel underscored the need for a phased, pragmatic approach to RBC compliance that safeguards both growth and policyholder protection.

As the Summit wrapped up, the message was clear: Adapt. Collaborate. Lead. The African insurance industry must position itself not only as a stabilizer but as a catalyst for the continent’s digital and economic evolution.

We must define guidelines that enable us to cope with the various changes taking place in our societies

Journalists Honoured for Excellence in Re/Insurance Reporting

The Summit also served as the backdrop for the 10th edition of the Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards, which celebrated journalistic excellence in insurance reporting across the continent.

This year’s competition saw a record 150+ entries from 19 African countries, a 29% increase from the previous year, reflecting growing interest and depth in re/insurance storytelling across Anglophone, Francophone, and Arabic media.

Patrick Alushula of Nation Media Group (Kenya) was named overall winner and clinched the English Print category for his comprehensive article on cybercrime risks in Kenya and the rising adoption of cyber insurance. His work was lauded for its clarity, depth, and contribution to public understanding of cybersecurity and risk management.

Commenting on the Awards, Lawrence Nazare stated:
“The 2025 awards mark a decade of celebrating journalistic talent and excellence within the re/insurance industry. This milestone reinforces our commitment to quality reporting and to elevating the understanding of insurance across the continent.”

Winners by Category:

English Broadcast
• Winner: Blessing Ifechukwude – Voice of Nigeria (Nigeria)
• 1st Runner-Up: Destiny Onyemihia – Voice of Nigeria (Nigeria)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman – EIB Network (Ghana)

English Print
• Winner: Patrick Alushula – Nation Media Group (Kenya)
• 1st Runner-Up: Isaac Khisa – The Independent (Uganda)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Nanjinia Wamuswa – The Standard Group (Kenya)

English Online
• Winner: Okello Jesus Ojala – TND News (Uganda)
• 1st Runner-Up: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi – New Vision (Uganda)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Etornam Agbemor – Pent Media Centre (Ghana)

French (Broadcast/Print/Online)
• Winner: RABO Oumarou – Les Editions Sidwaya (Burkina Faso)
• 1st Runner-Up: Ghassan Waïl El Karmouni – Medias24 (Morocco)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Bahwa Ferdinand – Le Journal.Africa (Burundi)

Arabic (Broadcast/Print/Online)
• Winner: Eslam Sherif – Almal (Egypt)
• 1st Runner-Up: Ibraheem Issa – Almal (Egypt)
• 2nd Runner-Up: Mohamed Azab Tawfik – Alborsa Newspaper (Egypt)

Dr. Femi Oyetunji Future Talent Award
• Winner: Ayele Addis Ambelu – Africa News Channel (Ethiopia)
His piece traced the evolution of Ethiopia’s insurance industry from 1905 to the present, offering a thoughtful analysis of its modern-day challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Continental Reinsurance

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Afreximbank Backs DOTT Services Limited, Uganda with a US$28 Million Facility for Regional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects

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The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains

CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.

 




 
 

Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:

Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking

“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.

Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”

Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.

He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.

DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invests in Africa’s leadership potential through EDGE

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Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.

 




 
 

Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.

The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system

The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.

With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.

“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”

The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.

EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

 

 




 

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Africa and Caribbean trade potential could reach $1.65 billion annually by 2030: International Trade Centre (ITC)-Afreximbank report

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The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

 




  

The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.

A look at the numbers

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.

Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity

Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.

These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Tapping into priority sectors

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’

Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’

The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.

Read the full report HERE (https://apo-opa.co/4exHBH9)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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