Lagos: The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the West Africa Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) Education Conference announced that no fewer than 250 delegates are expected to participate in the 2025 edition of the conference. Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, Chairperson of the LOC, revealed this information during a news conference held in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference is scheduled to take place in Lagos and will focus on the theme: ‘The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change’. The event aims to provide a platform for discussions on climate risks, rising claims, and strategies to enhance the preparedness and competitiveness of insurers in the sub-region.
Nwachukwu stated that delegates from WAICA member countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, will attend the conference. The event will also see participation from regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders across Africa. She emphasized the importance of robust discussions on climate change for African insurers, as the continent faces unique vulnerabilities such as extreme weather events, flooding, drought, and agricultural disruptions, which impact businesses, communities, and livelihoods.
The challenges faced by insurers translate into rising claims, increased risk exposures, and an urgent need for innovative products and risk management strategies. By gathering at the WAICA conference, African insurers will aim to strengthen their collective preparedness and position themselves competitively with global counterparts in shaping sustainable insurance practices and climate resilience solutions.
Nwachukwu further mentioned that prominent local and international insurance industry leaders, dignitaries, and technical experts are scheduled to speak on the theme and sub-themes of the conference. Among them are Dr. Abiba Zakaria, Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Ghana; Mr. Wole Oshin, Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc; Mr. Bockarie Kaloko, Deputy Minister of Finance, Republic of Sierra Leone; and Ms. Tola Adegbayi, Managing Director, Mutual Specialist.
The conference will commence on Sunday, Oct. 12, with a cocktail reception at the Insurers House, followed by the official opening ceremony on Monday, Oct. 13. Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, will deliver the keynote address, while Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), will serve as the chief host.
Additionally, Mr. Austin Ebose, Chairman of the Publicity and Mobilisation Committee of the WAICA LOC, assured that adequate transport and security arrangements are in place for delegates to ensure a smooth stay in Lagos.