Held under the theme “Powering Pledge into Practice: Integration of Sustainability in African Insurance,” the Summit brought together industry leaders, regulators and sustainability experts from across the continent to advance the integration of ESG principles into African insurance markets.

Opening the Summit, Philip Lopokoiyit, Group Chief Executive Officer of ICEA Lion Group and Chairperson of NDSI, expressed appreciation for SAIA’s support.

“This summit is a testament to your leadership and shared belief that sustainable insurance in Africa is no longer the work of a few institutions; it is a collective continental mission,” he said.

In her opening remarks, SAIA CEO Viviene Pearson underscored the strategic role of the non-life insurance industry in driving sustainable economic growth across Africa.

“Through this Summit, we will engage on issues that go to the heart of the industry’s future: climate risk, capital resilience, sustainable underwriting, the regulatory environment, inclusive insurance and the evolving role of insurance in Africa’s development journey,” said Pearson. “Across Africa, the non-life insurance industry increasingly plays a strategic role in fostering economic resilience, infrastructure development and sustainable growth.”

Pearson noted that hosting the Summit in Cape Town strengthens Africa’s voice in the global ESG discourse. While the sector continues to learn from international standards, it is simultaneously shaping approaches that reflect African realities, a message echoed by Lopokoiyit and other speakers.

“The core of our business model is integrating ESG into operations while establishing a strong and credible African voice on sustainable insurance,” Lopokoiyit added. “Most importantly, it is a community of practice grounded in African realities.”

Emphasising the Summit theme, Pearson highlighted the importance of moving from commitment to implementation.

“From pledge to practice is about advancing the NDSI objectives, moving from commitments to institutions and from principles to practical implementation. This Summit is not only about theory, but about how we implement sustainability meaningfully and effectively.”

Keynote speaker Jonathan Dixon, Secretary General of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), reinforced the importance of collaboration in building resilient insurance markets.

“By working together, we can create an environment where insurance not only protects but empowers, building resilience for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.

Dixon stressed that sustainable, well-functioning insurance markets are fundamental to development.

“Insurance protects farmers, businesses and households from financial shocks, supports credit and investment, and enables faster recovery from crises. These are not optional benefits; they are preconditions for resilient and sustainable development. Insurance provides a critical lifeline that can mark the difference between sustained security and a descent into poverty and hardship, particularly in Africa.”

The Summit reinforced the shared commitment of African insurers, regulators and industry bodies to embed sustainability at the core of insurance practice. By moving decisively from pledge to implementation, the sector is strengthening its ability to manage risk, support inclusive growth and build long-term resilience across the continent. The 2026 African Sustainable Insurance Summit demonstrated that Africa is not only aligning with global ESG standards but is actively shaping a sustainability agenda grounded in its own realities and development priorities.