The African fintech space continues to evolve at an impressive pace, with insurtech, i.e., insurance powered by digital technology, emerging as one of its most transformative subsectors. While the sector may not command the same spotlight as mobile payments or digital banking, it plays a crucial role in democratising access to insurance across the continent.
Several insurtech companies have proven their resilience by developing innovative products, securing key partnerships, and maintaining customer trust over time. These African startups are redefining what insurance looks like on the continent by providing micro-insurance for underserved populations as well as integrating AI and mobile-first strategies.
Here, we’re spotlighting 8 insurtech companies in Africa that are standing the test of time.
Pineapple
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Pineapple Insurance is a leading African insurance provider known for its innovative approach, affordable premiums, and digital-first focus. They offer various insurance products, including car and per-item insurance, with a strong emphasis on online policy and claim management.
Pineapple is one of South Africa’s most consumer-friendly insurtech companies. It uses a peer-to-peer model to provide digital insurance packages. With a strong emphasis on transparency, simplicity, speed, and convenience, Pineapple aims to enable users to get insured in under 90 seconds through its mobile app.
Pineapple’s technology automatically analyses user data and uses AI to customise policies. The startup’s innovative approach has won it awards and multiple funding rounds, and it’s gaining traction with younger consumers looking for digital-first insurance.
Inclusivity Solutions
Year Founded: 2015
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Inclusivity Solutions is a B2B2C insurtech that designs and delivers embedded insurance solutions for African consumers. The company partners with mobile operators, financial institutions, and insurance providers to deliver consumer-focused, locally rooted services. It aims to improve insurance access for the underserved through digital channels such as USSD, mobile apps, and APIs.
With a mission to protect and enhance the quality of life of vulnerable people through digital insurance solutions, Inclusivity Solutions delivers insurance products including funeral, health, and personal accident cover. Aiming to serve even more communities, the company operates in several African markets and has partnered with major players such as Airtel and Orange.
Lami
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Lami is a B2B2C insurtech startup that enables businesses to offer digital insurance products to other businesses and consumers. The company operates an API-driven platform that allows underwriters to connect with and manage client relationships quickly. It simplifies policy creation, customer onboarding, and claims processing, helping businesses offer embedded insurance seamlessly.
With its end-to-end Insurance-as-a-Service solution, Lami has empowered several fintechs, e-commerce platforms, and ride-hailing apps to integrate insurance into their offerings. The company has expanded into new markets and secured multiple partnerships to bolster its regional presence.
Turaco
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Turaco offers affordable and accessible health and life insurance to low-income earners using a tech-driven distribution model. It operates a digital platform where users can sign up for micro health insurance with low premiums. The platform offers streamlined access to several financial products designed to indemnify low-income earners against health risks.
At the core of its operations, Turaco hopes to make insurance accessible to people everywhere, regardless of their socioeconomic status. By collecting premiums in small amounts, the company is making insurance easier to afford. With a customer-first approach and fast claims turnaround time, the startup has grown rapidly across East and West Africa.
Pula
Year Founded: 2015
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Pula is redefining agricultural insurance in Africa through its innovative digital products. The company offers indexed insurance products for smallholder farmers to help them endure yield risks, improve farming practices, and bolster income over time.
The company uses satellite data and mobile platforms to deliver affordable crop and livestock insurance, helping farmers hedge against climate and market risks.
Through partnerships with NGOs, governments, and agribusinesses, Pula has provided coverage to over 15 million farmers in more than 15 countries. Its data-driven model has contributed immensely to boosting resilience in Africa’s agriculture sector.
Naked
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Naked is a digital insurance provider creating inclusive underwriting solutions for Africans. It provides affordable insurance products for consumers who have been largely underserved by traditional insurers.
The startup operates a fully digital insurance platform offering car, home, and contents insurance with AI-powered onboarding and claims processing. It stands out for its transparent pricing, no paperwork, and flexible pause/resume features.
Naked’s model is centred on user empowerment; customers can manage their policies independently through the app. The company’s success lies in its commitment to fairness, innovation, and financial education, earning it widespread customer trust.
Reliance HMO
Year Founded: 2015
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Reliance HMO is a health insurance company leveraging technology to provide accessible and efficient health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses in Nigeria. It aims to make health insurance more user-friendly, affordable, and easier to access through the use of software, data science, and telemedicine.
Reliance HMO offers a range of health insurance plans catering to different needs and budgets, including Personal, Family, Business, and Employee plans. The company’s care app also enables enrollees to access their health plans, check their status, find nearby hospitals, and chat with doctors without visiting a hospital.
Over the years, Reliance HMO has distinguished itself as a significant player in the Nigerian health insurance space through its strong focus on technology, diverse range of plans for individuals and businesses, and commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare services.
MyCover.ai
Year Founded: 2021
Location: Nigeria
MyCover.ai is a Nigerian insurtech startup that provides the digital infrastructure for embedded insurance in Africa. The company enables businesses across different sectors (e-commerce, lending, mobility, proptech, etc.) to offer insurance products directly to their customers as part of their core services.
It provides API solutions that allow businesses to easily connect to multiple insurance providers and access a diverse catalogue of insurance products with a single integration.
MyCover.ai’s mission is to deepen insurance penetration across Africa by making insurance more accessible, affordable, and easier to understand through technology. As such, it acts as a bridge between insurance providers and businesses, enabling the seamless integration and distribution of insurance products to a wider range of customers in Africa.
