Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — May 24 – 28, 2025 — The 51st African Insurance Organisation (AIO) Conference and Annual General Assembly was held over five days at the prestigious Skylight Hotel in Ethiopia’s capital, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and insurance professionals from across Africa and beyond.
Organized by the African Insurance Organisation (AIO) — a continental non-governmental body established in 1972 to support the growth and integration of insurance markets in Africa — the 2025 conference focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing expertise, and addressing critical challenges facing the sector.
Theme & Focus
The central theme of the 51st AIO Conference was:
“Balancing the Books: Africa’s Debt Problem — Why Does Country Debt Impact Insurers?”
This theme underscored the growing importance of understanding how sovereign debt levels influence insurance markets, investment strategies, solvency, financial stability, and long-term sector resilience. Discussions aimed to unpack the complex interplay between national debt and insurance industry performance across the continent.
Participants & Engagement
The event brought together delegates from more than 90 countries, including key stakeholders from insurance firms, reinsurance companies, regulatory bodies, development partners, and industry associations.
Participants engaged in a mix of plenaries, technical sessions, workshops, and networking activities designed to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and cross-border partnerships. Topics ranged from regulatory harmonization and risk management to market development, financial inclusion, and the impact of macroeconomic trends on insurance markets.
Government & Leadership Involvement
The conference was formally opened by Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Temesgen Tiruneh, highlighting the strategic importance of the insurance sector in supporting economic stability and growth across Africa.
AIO President Patty Karuaihe-Martin emphasized Ethiopia’s ongoing financial reforms and the organization’s commitment to strengthening harmonized regulatory frameworks and collaborative approaches to tackle industry-wide challenges.
Outcomes & Impact
With nearly 2,000 participants in attendance, the conference served as a flagship platform for accelerating dialogue on key issues such as debt dynamics, market resilience, and sustainable insurance solutions. Delegates exchanged insights on emerging trends, best practices, and strategic priorities to bolster Africa’s insurance ecosystem.
The event also provided opportunities for bilateral meetings, professional networking, and forging partnerships that could help expand insurance services, improve financial inclusion, and support economic development across the continent.
