Cape Town, South Africa – April 8, 2025: Continental Reinsurance Plc, a leading Pan-African reinsurer, has announced the winners of the 10th edition of the Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards at a ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa. The event coincided with the company’s 10th CEO Summit, marking a decade of recognising journalistic excellence in the re/insurance industry.
This year’s awards attracted over 150 entries from 19 African countries—a 29% increase from the previous year—covering Anglophone, Francophone, and Arabic regions and highlighting a diverse range of topics.
Patrick Alushula of Nation Media Group (Kenya) has been named the Overall Winner, also clinching the English Print Category Award for his incisive article that provides a strong analysis of the rising cybercrime risks in Kenya and the growing adoption of cyber insurance. The article explains how financial penalties stemming from data privacy breaches are pushing more firms to embrace cyber insurance as protection against data losses and costly litigation. The judges commended his story for being well-researched and informative, highlighting its valuable contribution to the cybersecurity and risk management discourse.
Congratulating all winners and entrants, Lawrence Nazare, Group CEO of Continental Re Holdings, stated: “The 2025 awards mark our decade of celebrating journalistic talent and excellence within the re/insurance industry. This milestone reinforces our long-standing commitment to advancing quality reporting and raising awareness about the value of insurance across the continent.”
Category Winners and Runners-Up
English Broadcast Category
Winner: Blessing Ifechukwude – Voice of Nigeria (Nigeria)
Her compelling report on the impact of fuel subsidy removal on health insurance in Oyo State was lauded for its clarity, depth, and engaging storytelling. The piece highlighted how the introduction of compulsory health insurance has positively influenced health outcomes, offering a thoughtful exploration of policy change and its real-world implications.
1st Runner-Up: Destiny Onyemihia – Voice of Nigeria (Nigeria)
Article: Life Insurance: A Pathway for Seafarers
2nd Runner-Up: Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman – EIB Network (Ghana)
Article: Kantamanto Fire Exposes Insurance Gap in Ghana’s Informal Economy
English Print Category
Winner: Patrick Alushula – Nation Media Group (Kenya)
Patrick’s article, titled “Data privacy penalties’ pain fuels uptake of cyber insurance,” also earned him the Overall Winner Award. The judges recognized it for its insightful analysis of cybercrime risks and the growing adoption of cyber insurance in Kenya, making it a standout entry across all categories.
1st Runner-Up: Isaac Khisa – The Independent (Uganda)
Article: Insurers battle to rise above climate change
2nd Runner-Up: Nanjinia Wamuswa – The Standard Group (Kenya)
Article: Insurance drive helps residents pick up pieces after floods
English Online Category
Winner: Okello Jesus Ojala – TND News (Uganda)
Okello’s article sheds light on Uganda’s worsening road safety crisis—driven by reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and overloading. With over 3,500 road deaths in 2023, the piece underscores the untapped role of insurance in promoting safety and protecting road users. Judges praised the article for its strong use of data and clear, solutions-oriented narrative.
1st Runner-Up: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi – New Vision (Uganda)
Article: Why most Ugandan workers are not covered under workman’s compensation insurance policy.
2nd Runner-Up: Etornam Agbemor – Pent Media Centre (Ghana)
Article: The Untold Story of African Insurance Sector
French (Broadcast/Print/Online Category)
Winner: RABO Oumarou – Les Editions Sidwaya (Burkina Faso)
This indepth article examines why mandatory motorcycle insurance is often ignored in Ouagadougou, despite the city’s heavy reliance on two-wheelers. Blending data, expert views, and personal stories, it highlights the impact of low coverage and the need to build insurance awareness. Judges hailed it for its clarity, balance, and strong storytelling, noting its potential to influence change.
1st Runner-Up: Ghassan Waïl El Karmouni, Medias24 (Morocco)
Article: Assurance Logement Obligatoire. Nécessité ou fardeau?
2nd Runner-Up: Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa (Burundi)
Article: L’assurance des pêcheurs du lac Tanganyika : Entre volonté et obstacles financiers
Arabic (Broadcast/Print/Online Category)
Winner: Eslam Sherif, Almal (Egypt)
Eslam’s well-researched report explores the growing impacts of climate change—rising temperatures, extreme weather, and sea level rise—and explores the role of insurance and reinsurance in building resilience. Judges commended its clear explanations, strong use of research, and effective simplification of a complex global issue.
1st Runner-Up: Ibraheem Issa, Almal (Egypt)
Article: الذكاء الاصطناعي والابتكار البشري «قطبان في جسد التأمين» يفجران ثورة بالقطاع (دراسة تفاعلية)
2nd Runner-Up: Mohamed Azab Tawfik, Alborsa Newspaper (Egypt)
Article: هل يتحقق حلم قطاع التأمين بعودة تأسيس كيان محلى للإعادة ؟
Dr Femi Oyetunji Future Talent Award
Winner: Ayele Addis Ambelu of Africa News Channel (Ethiopia)
With five years of journalism experience, the winner examines Ethiopia’s insurance evolution—from its 1905 origins to modern challenges. The article highlights reinsurance growth, rural coverage, and legal gaps, stressing insurance’s role in protecting farmers and nomads. Judges saw strong potential and recommended mentoring to further develop the piece’s depth and impact.
Awards and Prizes
At the awards ceremony, all winners received certificates, cash prizes, trophies, and recognition for their outstanding contributions in bringing critical insurance-related issues to the forefront across the continent.
Cash Prizes breakdown:
- Overall Winner: USD 2,000
- Category Winners: USD 1,500 each
- 1st Runners-Up: USD 1,000 each
- 2nd Runners-Up: USD 500 each
- Femi Oyetunji Future Talent Award: USD 1,500
Speaking at the event, Chief Judge, Michael Wilson commented: “This year’s entries showcased impressive diversity, covering everything from core areas like motor, health, and agriculture insurance to emerging themes such as AI, cyber insurance, insuretech, and ESG. We also saw insightful reporting on travel, pet, political violence, and gender-focused insurance. This breadth reflects not only the dynamism of the re/insurance industry but also journalism’s vital role in making these topics accessible and relevant across Africa.’’
The Continental Re’s Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards is the longest-running awards program dedicated to recognising excellence in re/insurance journalism across Africa.
ENDS
About the Pan African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards
Started in 2015, these prestigious awards celebrate the critical efforts of journalists who highlight key issues and developments in the insurance industry across the continent. Fully sponsored by Continental Reinsurance, the awards are open to print, online and broadcast journalists from across Africa who have published articles or features related to insurance and reinsurance in English, French, and Arabic languages.
About Continental Reinsurance
Continental Reinsurance is a leading private-sector champion of the Pan-African reinsurance industry. With a 40-year legacy, we have built a strong and trusted network across Africa, guided by our philosophy: A Pan-African commitment, made local. Rated B+ (Good), we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, technical expertise, and sustainable value. Our diversified and profitable portfolio reflects our commitment to fostering long-term partnerships and driving meaningful local impact across the continent.
Contacts:
Elsie Mbera, Group Communications Manager; Email: embera@continentalre.com
