Diversity and inclusivity triumph, as winners of the 2021 pan-African re/insurance journalism awards are announced

Continental Reinsurance Plc has announced the 6^th pan-African (re)insurance journalism awards winners.  The category winners are:

• Best Re/Insurance French entry – Amadou Oury Diallo, Jeune Afrique Media Group, Senegal
• Best Re/Insurance Print Article, Patrick Alushula, Nation Media Group, Kenya
• Best Re/Insurance online article, Londiwe Buthelezi, Fin24, South Africa
• Best Re/Insurance Broadcast Article, Mwape Zulu Kumwenda, Prime Television, Zambia
• Anass Sabit, Joy News, Ghana, won the Future Talent award for highlighting the plight of a community battling the absence of water amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 6^th edition attracted close to 100 entries across 16 African countries.  Sixty-six entries were shortlisted for an independent jury to select the overall winners.  They assessed the entries on set criteria, including raising awareness on a current news story or other noteworthy insurance issue.

The winners will receive an exclusive year-long mentorship to develop their insurance sector reporting skills further.  This is in addition to cash prizes and attendance at the next Continental Re’s CEO summit, health situation and government restrictions permitting.

Michael Wilson, Chair of the judging panel, said, “We were inspired by the diversity in the reporting showcasing varied angles on the subject of insurance.  We reviewed entries that connected with the audience in exciting and balanced ways. We encourage all who participated to continue carrying the message of insurance as this will, over time, positively change the trajectory of the insurance subject.

“I want to thank my fellow co-judges Shiam Appannah, Nadia Acogny-Mensah, Gareth Stokes, Jared Obuya and Kenneth Igbomor for their work in reviewing the submissions.”

Lawrence Nazare, newly-installed Group Managing Director, Continental Reinsurance Plc, added, “Currently, insurance penetration ranges between one and three percent in most African countries.  But this is a sector on the up and the subject is gaining appreciation.  As industry players, we have the responsibility to encourage and inspire journalists to report on insurance.

“And as a pan-African entity, we welcome this year’s improved geographic diversity of the finalists’ and balanced gender inclusivity.  Two female journalists made it to the top whilst the winners represented five different countries: Senegal, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and Ghana.

“I want to congratulate all the winners.  Continue to tell the insurance story and remain great role models to other insurance reporters.  We are optimistic that reach and positive perception of insurance will be expanded and subsequently the uptake of insurance products enhanced across Africa.”

The awards show was hosted online by Michael Wilson, and the following winners and runner-up positions were recognized:

ENDS