Dr. Awele V. Elumelu, OFR, Chairperson, Heirs Insurance Brokers (a member of Heirs Insurance Group) and Chairperson Avon HMO, joined other female business leaders in the call for gender parity and more women in leadership in Nigeria’s insurance industry.
At the recently concluded International Conference for Women in Insurance held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, organised by the African Insurance Women Association (AIWA) gathered industry professionals, policymakers, and advocates discussed ways to advance women’s participation in insurance and at the helm of leadership. Heirs Insurance Group played a key role as lead sponsor as part of its vision to drive gender inclusion across all levels.
In her keynote address, “The Future of Insurance: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities,” Dr. Elumelu emphasised that female leadership is both a strategic advantage and an ethical imperative.
She said: “The urgency to bring more women into this field is clear. Women bring fresh perspectives and empathy, and these are essential for designing inclusive, people-centred solutions.”
Dr. Elumelu highlighted the low insurance penetration of the African insurance industry, currently below 3%, as a significant growth opportunity. She stressed the potential of digital solutions and microinsurance to enhance accessibility and inclusion.
She said: “With our young, tech-savvy population, we have a unique chance to build products that truly resonate with Africans, especially through mobile technology, which can help reach underserved communities and foster financial literacy among younger generations.”
She concluded by calling for stronger public-private partnerships to foster regulatory innovation and enhance customer trust, saying: “A collaborative approach between industry players, regulators, and local communities will set the stage for a resilient and inclusive insurance sector that can drive economic growth across Africa.”
Speaking on the conference, Lady Margaret Moore, President of the Africa Insurance Women Association, stated, “This landmark event, the first of its kind, brings together African women in insurance to empower and inspire one another. The conference aims to foster connections, share knowledge, and promote collaboration across the industry.”
