AIO 52 Reinforces Insurance’s Role in Building Resilient Economies
- 24 July 2026
- Posted by: SAIA
- Category: Stakeholders
The 52nd Annual Conference and General Assembly of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO), held in Cairo, Egypt, from 5 to 9 June, brought together insurance leaders, regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the continent to discuss the future of insurance in Africa.
Held under the theme “Insurance as an Enabler of Economic Growth for All,” the conference highlighted the increasingly important role of insurance in supporting economic resilience, financial inclusion and sustainable development.
Speaker after speaker reinforced the message that insurance has an increasingly important role in driving economic growth, advancing financial inclusion and strengthening resilience across Africa. Discussions focused on expanding insurance penetration by developing affordable, accessible insurance solutions, strengthening consumer awareness and building public trust in the value of insurance.
Technology and innovation also featured prominently, with delegates exploring how artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital platforms are transforming the insurance landscape, enhancing the customer experience and extending insurance coverage to previously underserved markets.
Climate resilience and emerging risks were equally high on the agenda. Delegates emphasised the need for innovative risk solutions, stronger collaboration between insurers and governments, and improved disaster preparedness to help communities and economies recover from increasingly frequent climate-related events.
The conference also reaffirmed the role of inclusive insurance, particularly microinsurance and agricultural insurance, in supporting low-income households, small businesses and informal markets, thereby fostering broader economic participation and resilience.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Africa Network of Insurers Associations (ANIA) convened a meeting of its member associations to discuss matters of mutual interest and to strengthen collaboration across the continent. During the meeting, the Chairperson of the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), Mr Thusang Mahlangu, provided an overview of the Association’s strategic priorities and the key issues it is advancing on behalf of the South African non-life insurance industry. The engagement reinforced the value of collaboration among national insurance associations in addressing shared challenges, exchanging best practices, and collectively shaping the future of insurance across Africa.