The conference, held under the theme 'Innovate â€" Integrate â€" Insure,' brought together industry leaders, regulators, and practitioners to reflect on the role of brokers in promoting inclusive and customer-focused insurance services in Rwanda.
Several companies stood out for their achievements in different categories. MUA Insurance Company ® Ltd was recognised as the best provider of general insurance, while SONARWA Life emerged top in the life insurance category.
Eden Care received the award for health insurance, with Prime Insurance celebrated for its innovation in the sector. MayFair Insurance was recognised for outstanding customer service.
RIBA President Mendies Mhiribidi highlighted the crucial role brokers play in making insurance accessible and understandable.
'Insurance can often seem like a foreign language, filled with complex terms and deep explanations. Brokers help simplify these concepts, guide clients to the right cover, and stand by them throughout the process,' he said.
Embracing innovation and technology
Mhiribidi also emphasised the evolving nature of the industry, noting that new risks linked to climate change, cyberattacks, and rapid technological shifts demand advanced solutions. He pointed to the need for insurance brokers to adopt digital tools such as data analytics and collaborate with InsurTech companies to simplify processes like purchasing and claims management.
In a step toward strengthening industry communication, RIBA launched the RIBA Magazine, an online publication designed to provide timely information and market insights with a strong focus on customer needs.
Brokers hailed as key partners
The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) reinforced the importance of professional insurance brokers, describing them as vital partners who connect clients with insurers and expand access to insurance. BNR noted that engaging brokers is a key strategy to raise insurance penetration rates, in line with Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
Practitioners also shared their experiences. Jean de Dieu Katabogama of Zion Insurance Brokers Ltd, with two decades in the field, stressed that brokers ensure clients receive quality services and support during claims.
Similarly, James Nteziryayo of Alpha Insurance Brokers Ltd called for increased awareness campaigns to attract more young people to the profession, while urging that insurance studies be made more accessible in Rwanda.
Regional cooperation
Speakers at the conference applauded RIBA's efforts in uniting industry stakeholders to tackle challenges and enhance collaboration. They also emphasised the growing opportunities for regional integration, which will allow Rwandan clients to access quality insurance services across the East African Community.
The 2025 RIBA Annual Conference reaffirmed the association's commitment to promoting innovation, professionalism, and customer-centred practices in Rwanda's insurance sector.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/riba-awards-excellence-in-rwanda-s-insurance-industry
