UA at 10: A Journey of Innovation in Risk Solutions Across Africa
In 2015, a bold idea took root: that African businesses deserved world-class risk solutions tailored to local realities. Out of that vision, Underwriting Africa (UA) was born.
Ten years later, UA stands as a trusted partner in credit insurance and specialty risk solutions, with operations spanning 13+ countries across Africa and partnerships with some of the world’s leading reinsurers.
This is our journey—a timeline of innovation, resilience, and impact.
2015–2016: Laying the Foundation
Underwriting Africa began with a single office and a clear mission:
- To close the credit protection gap in Africa
- To empower businesses to trade and grow without fear of non-payment
- To adapt global best practices in risk management to local markets
In the early days, we focused on trade credit insurance, working with banks, reinsurers, and SMEs to provide peace of mind in high-risk transactions.
2017–2019: Expanding Our Footprint
As word spread, UA began to extend beyond Kenya into regional markets.
- We supported SMEs and corporates with cross-border trade solutions
- Partnered with banks to unlock new lines of credit backed by insurance
- Developed expertise in borrowers’ default insurance and bonds & guarantees
These years built our reputation as a specialist, agile partner capable of solving complex challenges that traditional insurers could not.
2020–2021: Resilience Amid Global Shocks
The pandemic disrupted global trade. Defaults rose. Risk multiplied.
For many African exporters and lenders, credit insurance became a lifeline. UA stepped up to:
- Structure policies that keep supply chains moving
- Support banks and development finance institutions with risk transfer solutions
- Provide capacity-building and training to partners navigating new realities
It was a defining moment that tested—and proved—the strength of our model.
2022–2024: Innovation and Partnerships
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re not just looking back—we’re looking forward.
In the next decade, Underwriting Africa is committed to:
- Scaling credit insurance access for SMEs across Africa
- Building digital-first solutions for faster underwriting and claims
- Expanding into new African markets and beyond
- Continuing to drive innovation in risk solutions, trade finance, and insurance
Our Legacy and Our Promise
Over the past 10 years, Underwriting Africa has:
✔️ Enabled $ billions in trade and finance across the continent
✔️ Partnered with 100+ clients, including banks, reinsurers, and corporates
✔️ Built a trusted reputation for responsiveness, expertise, and innovation
The journey of credit insurance in Africa is still being written—and Underwriting Africa Specialty is proud to be at the forefront, turning risks into opportunities, and ideas into impact.