The ZEP-RE InsurTech Program proudly announces the successful conclusion of its inaugural Demo Day, held on October 27th, 2023. The event showcased the achievements of five outstanding start-ups selected from a pool of 91 applicants through a rigorous hackathon process. These start-ups underwent a transformative six-month incubation period, supported by ZEP-RE and the Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali (WSHK), aimed at revolutionising the insurance landscape in East Africa. Program highlights The ZEP-RE InsurTech Program provided comprehensive support to the selected startups, including capacity building, individual mentorship, product development support, advisory services, and networking opportunities. Throughout the program, startups were equipped with the necessary tools to enhance financial inclusion, expand market reach, and optimise existing processes within the insurance sector. Insights and collaboration The Demo Day, themed The Intersection of Insurance and Technology, served as a platform to highlight the innovative solutions developed by the participating start-ups and foster meaningful discussions on the role of InsurTech in driving insurance penetration and financial inclusion across the region. Industry leaders and panellists came together to explore the latest trends and insights shaping the world of InsurTech. Discussions, led by esteemed keynote speakers and panellists, centred on the transformative power of technology, the importance of collaboration across sectors, and the need for continuous skill development to drive innovation forward. Keynote speakers such as Hope Murera, Managing Director and CEO of ZEP-RE, provided valuable insights into the significance of collaboration and innovation in advancing the insurance industry. Panellists including Nick Barigye, CEO of Rwanda Finance Limited, Jean Bosco Iyacu, CEO of Access to Finance Rwanda, and Kevin Rudahinduka, CEO of Edencare, shared their expertise on financial inclusion strategies, market facilitation, and the role of technology in improving service delivery. Celebrating success The event concluded with the announcement of the top three start-ups, each receiving a portion of the $30,000 cash prize. Laina Finance, E-Arbitrator, and Karisimbi Technologies were recognized for their exceptional contributions and innovative solutions, setting the stage for future success and collaboration. Laina Finance is a Tanzanian company providing flexible payment solutions; boasting more than 19,000 users. E-Arbitrator is a Rwandan legal tech company that has an online alternative dispute resolution platform where individuals, businesses, and organisations can find an arbitrator or mediator, submit their cases, and have their disputes resolved online. The company focuses on serving businesses engaged in cross-border trade. Karisimbi Technologies is a start-up that uses data to support healthcare service providers’ transition into digital patient management from consultations to the processing of insurance claims.
