The 10th edition of the Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards, a prestigious platform recognizing journalistic excellence within the African re/insurance sector, unfolded in Cape Town, South Africa, concurrent with Continental Reinsurance Plc’s 10th CEO Summit. This year’s ceremony was particularly noteworthy, marking a decade of the awards program and witnessing a significant surge in participation. Over 150 entries poured in from 19 African countries, representing Anglophone, Francophone, and Arabic regions, a testament to the growing interest and recognition of the awards’ significance. Nigerian journalists once again shone brightly, securing two prominent recognitions, underscoring the country’s burgeoning talent pool within the field of insurance journalism.
Blessing Ifechukwude of the Voice of Nigeria emerged victorious in the English Broadcast Category, her compelling report on the repercussions of fuel subsidy removal on health insurance in Oyo State captivating the judges. Her work was lauded for its clarity, in-depth analysis, and engaging narrative, effectively conveying the complex socio-economic implications of the policy change on access to healthcare. Adding to Nigeria’s triumph, Destiny Onyemihia, also representing the Voice of Nigeria, secured the first Runner-Up position in the same category, her insightful article “Life Insurance: A Pathway for Seafarers” further solidifying Nigeria’s presence on the continental stage.
Patrick Alushula of Nation Media Group (Kenya) claimed the overall winner title, simultaneously securing the top spot in the English Print Category. His incisive analysis of the escalating cybercrime risks in Kenya and the subsequent rise in cyber insurance adoption demonstrated his keen understanding of the evolving insurance landscape. His winning piece, titled “Data privacy penalties’ pain fuels uptake of cyber insurance,” explored the critical intersection of technology, security, and insurance, highlighting the increasing need for businesses to protect themselves against the growing threat of cyberattacks.
The awards ceremony was a celebration of journalistic prowess, recognizing the crucial role of media in shaping public understanding of the re/insurance industry. Dr. Femi Oyetunji, Group Chief Executive Officer of Continental Re Holdings, commended the winners and all participants, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to promoting quality reporting and raising awareness about the multifaceted benefits of insurance across the African continent. He emphasized the significance of the decade-long journey of the awards, reiterating its role in fostering insightful journalism that illuminates the crucial role of insurance in mitigating risk and fostering economic resilience.
The awards program encompassed a diverse range of categories, reflecting the evolving landscape of the re/insurance sector. Okello Jesus Ojala of TND News (Uganda) triumphed in the English Online Category, demonstrating the increasing importance of digital platforms in disseminating information. RABO Oumarou of Les Editions Sidwaya (Burkina Faso) secured the top spot in the French Category, while Eslam Sherif of Almal (Egypt) emerged as the winner in the Arabic Category. The Dr Femi Oyetunji Future Talent Award, recognizing emerging talent in the field, was bestowed upon Ayele Addis Ambelu of Africa News Channel (Ethiopia), further highlighting the awards’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of insurance journalists.
The 2025 Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards marked a significant milestone, showcasing the continued growth and dynamism of the industry. The diverse range of entries reflected the evolving nature of insurance, encompassing traditional areas such as motor, health, and agriculture insurance, while also addressing emerging themes like artificial intelligence, cyber insurance, insuretech, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The awards also recognized journalistic contributions in areas such as travel, pet, political violence, and gender-focused insurance, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the industry’s impact. Chief Judge Michael Wilson highlighted the impressive scope of the entries, emphasizing the role of journalism in making these intricate topics accessible and relevant to audiences across Africa. The Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards, established by Continental Reinsurance, stands as the longest-running program of its kind, dedicated to celebrating excellence in re/insurance journalism across the continent. Its continued success underscores the importance of informed reporting in shaping a more secure and resilient future for Africa.
