Rose Wanda, Secretary General at the Organisation of Eastern and Southern Africa Insurers (OESAI)
The Organisation of Eastern and Southern Africa Insurers (OESAI) is celebrated its 50th anniversary in Mauritius at the occasion of the 45th Annual Conference and General Meeting. This marked a significant milestone in its commitment to promoting the business of insurance in the region.
As the Secretary General of OESAI, I have had the privilege of leading this dynamic organisation and witnessing the transformative power it holds. In this article, I reflect on the first two years of my leadership, the highlights we have achieved, and outline our vision for the future growth and impact of OESAI.
Embracing Diversity and Skill Development – The past two years have been a remarkable journey of learning and impact for me and our members. Working alongside a diversified board with representatives from Eritrea to Malawi has been an enriching experience. Together, we have fostered skills development programs for our members, extending beyond the Eastern and Southern region. The introduction of OESAI Regional Quiz Powered by Ghana Re, has created an engaging platform for young individuals to learn in a fun and interactive manner. These initiatives have not only enhanced our members’ capabilities but also strengthened the OESAI brand.
Influencing Growth, Regulation, and Education – Looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, our vision for OESAI encompasses becoming a prominent influencer in the insurance industry. Our strategic plan for 2024-2029 focuses on promoting growth, improving industry practices, and advancing education. We aspire to see OESAI play an instrumental role in shaping the insurance landscape at all levels, including the harmonisation of diploma programs in the regions we operate. Additionally, our commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) programs and the exploration of online training opportunities will ensure that our members stay abreast of evolving industry trends.
A life covered is a life lived
20 years ago we created Lifestyle Protector which Financial Advisers could offer their clients. Ever since, we’ve insured more than a million people and 400 000 families to the value of R1.5 trillion in cover. We’ve kept our promise of care to our clients in moments that matter and paid out R8.8 million every working day, amounting to R46 billion over 20 years.
Here’s to you, every one of our clients, for trusting us to be in it with you. Get in touch with a Liberty Accredited Financial Adviser today to help you secure your family’s future.
Liberty Group Limited is a licensed Life Insurer and Authorised Financial Services Provider (no.2409) Terms, conditions, risks and limitations apply.
Facilitating Collaboration and Exchange – Collaboration lies at the heart of OESAI’s mission. We aim to foster cross-country partnerships that facilitate knowledge sharing and skills exchange. Our ambition is to establish an OESAI Centre for insurance research and publications, enabling organisations from different countries within our membership to access valuable information and contribute to the collective growth of the industry. Furthermore, we envision leadership development through regional and overseas learning visits, embracing the philosophy that there is no end to learning.
Engagement with Global Organisations – To maximize our impact, OESAI seeks to forge partnerships with renowned global organisations such as the United Nations and the Africa Development Bank. These collaborations will amplify our influence and enable us to tackle complex challenges facing the insurance sector. By working hand in hand with these esteemed entities, we can leverage their expertise and resources to drive positive change across the region.
Industry Support and Membership Growth – Our journey thus far has been buoyed by the unwavering support of the industry. With membership retention above 90% and the addition of new members, we are grateful for the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by our members. Their willingness to host and participate in our events reflects the industry’s shared vision for growth and development.
Empowering Women Leaders and Embracing Technology – A vital initiative we are pursuing is the development of the General Insurance and Reinsurance Leaders (GIRL) program. This program seeks to spotlight women leaders in insurance and establish associations for women across different countries. By empowering women leaders and supporting younger associations, we aim to foster diversity and inclusivity within the industry. Additionally, engaging with innovators and leveraging technology will be essential in improving insurance penetration. OESAI recognizes the importance of embracing technological advancements to create better products and services that resonate with the public.
As OESAI celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are proud of our accomplishments, from the various founding members to the team we have today, and we thank our sponsors and members for their ongoing commitment.