By Aduragbemi Omiyale
An accelerator programme designed to boost the development and adoption of digital solutions for the insurance sector has been launched by FSD Africa and Nigeria’s National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).
The initiative, BimaLab Accelerator Programme, according to a statement, will support the nation’s vision to meet the rising demand for innovative insurance products
This is because it will address gaps in the insurance market by educating, nurturing, and promoting innovators and Insurtech start-ups.
The programme will borrow from Kenya’s BimaLab I, BimaLab II and global best practices with a focus on local experience to provide Nigeria with the most competitive and attractive start-up accelerator programme.
It was disclosed that 10 companies will be selected to participate in the 10-week programme that will provide them with the expertise, resources, and support to develop and scale market-ready solutions that bring social and/or commercial value to Nigeria’s insurance sector.
Interested startups would be required to apply for the BimaLab Nigeria via https://bimalab-nigeria.azurewebsites.net/ till Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
Commenting on the initiative, the Commissioner for Insurance/CEO of NAICOM, Mr Thomas Olorundare Sunday, said, “As a key driver of change in the financial sector, innovation has led to immeasurable efficiency and gains.
“Even though these changes can sometimes be accompanied by uncertainty and hesitation, there is evidence of great success. I do not doubt that with such collaborations, Nigeria is set to be a successful case study on insurance innovation across the continent.”
On his part, the Director of Risk and Resilience for FSD Africa, Mr Kelvin Massingham, stated that, “We believe that this programme will enhance the development of a vibrant ecosystem of start-ups; through collaboration with corporate partners, investors and research institutions to accelerate and scale innovation in the insurance industry in Nigeria. We have successfully implemented the programme in Kenya and are commencing the same in Ghana.”
In Africa, little knowledge of the insurance industry coupled with low income has affected the rate of insurance penetration in the mass market.
Yet, a recent report by Deloitte indicates that affordable insurance products play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of negative financial shocks and in doing so reducing financial vulnerability.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka