The Role of Insurance in a Developing Society A perspective from the Eritrean insurance profession

Insurance has been playing an increasing role in Eritrean society as the population and the economy have grown. Since independence in 1991, the number of people living in the country has nearly doubled, from 3.2 million to 5.8 million, and in recent years GDP has been growing at 5 per cent annually, driven by expanded production in sectors such as copper, zinc, gold and the upcoming potash mining with an estimated investment of a $1billion plus .

A well-functioning insurance sector will be vital if these economic trends are to continue. For example,
international trade is expanding (exports rose 29% to $624 million in the most recent years for which records are available), with major trading partners that include UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Turkey, South Korea and India. Eritrean enterprises and individuals involved in such activities will require trusted
insurance provision if they are to take full advantage of the opportunities, and to prosper.

The National Insurance Corporation of Eritrea (NICE) was established in 1992, shortly after independence, when it inherited the portfolio of operations which were previously part of the Ethiopian Insurance Corporation. I was appointed General Manager / Chief Executive Officer at the time, and have held that role throughout the expansion period. Early decisions included the fact that NICE would underwrite both life and non-life contracts, that it would be based in Asmara (Eritrea’s capital, declared a UNESCO World heritage Site in 2017 for its well-preserved and art deco architecture; also, curiously, the sixth highest capital city on the planet), and that we would operate with a network of branches and general agents. We are a well-established professional insurer with a balanced reinsurance treaty facility led by Munich Re of South Africa followed by Africa Re, Zep Re and other highly reputable underwriters. We have also highly renowned brokers such as Marsh & McLennan China, Arthur Gallagher, AON Plc, Willis Towers Watson, J B Boda, Afro-Asian, Jordans Global and many other trustworthy brokers.

A key event in the country’s history arose in 2004when the Eritrean Government, which has been the
sole shareholder since the outset, decided to make the company’s share capital available to the public.
Today, 44% of the shares are held by more than 2000 individuals and companies. In the recent year,
54% of our premium income was earned through motor business, 36% was fire and accident, 7% marine and aviation and 3% life. Life is an important growth area, and – whilst small – the result represents as 144% growth rate in the past year.

As Chief Executive, I recognise we will make the greatest impact if we are clear about our purpose and strategy. For this reason, we have developed two simple statements:

• Our Mission: To provide risk management,
insurance security and quality services

• Our Vision: To enable people to overcome
uncertainty by transferring risk.

These are fine words, but delivery requires an
organisation that operates with strong Values. We
have listed four values:

• Professionalism

• Integrity

• Transparency

• Quality service.

It is not by chance that ‘professionalism’ is at the top of this list. In my view, NICE is best able to support its wide group of stakeholders – our business partners, customers, and shareholders – if we have a knowledgeable, technically competent workforce, who conduct business to a robust ethical code.

At NICE, I have been a powerful advocate of the value and benefits of professional qualifications and
standards. Every year, many of our people in roles requiring expert knowledge are required to sit for CII
examinations, and I have seen first-hand the advantages for them as individuals, as well as forACTIVITIES OF INSURERS AND BROKERS 23 the wider NICE organisation. As a Managing Director/CEO of New Sudan Insurance Company in the Republic of South Sudan (established in early 2008), I set-up a CII examination centre in Juba (the capital city) to emulate our vision in the development of young indigenous South Sudanese to have a knowledge in insurance. In the two (Eritrea and South Sudan) international exam centres, there aretwo CII exam sitting dates every year. In addition, we need to demonstrate the relevance of insurance to changing lives – we have a plan and are initiating to penetrate into the grass-roots of our society to develop medical insurance, microinsurance and
takaful insurance.

As part of our broader commitment to professionalism, our chairman Mr. Ghirmal Ghebremeskel has always advocated that our business must operate to modern internationally accepted standards of governance. As he has written: “NICE is committed to adhering to the highest standards of good corporate governance at all levels of its operations. This commitment is rooted in our core values and beliefs. We have put in place elaborate governance processes which comply with best practice as set out in various codes on Corporate Governance”.

With a strict policy on conflict of interest, the Risk, Audit and Compliance as well as the Strategy and Investment Committees of the Board thoroughly ensure that the Board Charter and Work Plan of the
Company is methodically adhered to. The Board’s highest priority remains the implementation of senior
management succession plan in a realistic and sustainable way. In recent weeks, the Board has been proactive in overseeing NICE’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic – reviewing the crisis management plans and taking steps to continue operations with minimal client disruption. Providing services and communicating with international reinsurers and brokers has been a particular priority.

Finally, we recognise that insurance has a powerful voice to advocate social change and a fairer society.
The Bank of Eritrea regulates our company to ensure that we comply with the directives and regulations
of the Bank with an ultimate objective of protecting the public as insurance consumers and policyholders. For this reason, we have been proud to sponsor the Gazelles female football team, making our contribution to the fight for gender equality, as part of our social responsibility.

Full report is available at  https://www.ciigroup.org/en/membership/international/a-world-of/ on which it was orginally published.