A draft AfCFTA framework on financial services could, if approved, drive regulators, including in insurance, to harmonise prudential measures. While Africa’s insurance sector has made strides in aligning minimum capital requirements and domestication policies in the CIMA zone, other harmonisation initiatives – such as cross-border motor accident cover in West and East Africa – have stalled due to poor recognition by member states, low public awareness, and delays in claims settlement. Furthermore, many African markets continue to impose residency requirements for insurers and reinsurers or mandate risk-sharing with domestic firms to protect national interests. How can such policies be reconciled with AfCFTA integration? What measures should regulators take to protect their markets while advancing the common market?
Key points:
- Common licensing and risk-based capital approaches: The next steps to align prudential measures in anticipation of the AfCFTA framework
- Domestication policies: Fundamental to protect national interests or incompatible with AfCFTA integration?
- How to design a governance structure fit to harmonise prudential measures in insurance?