Olamide​ Olajolo, Managing Director and ‍Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Insurance Plc, is urging African insurers to⁢ embrace ‌Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly.He emphasizes⁢ the need⁢ to balance innovation with ethical considerations and maintain public trust as ⁤AI reshapes the industry. This call to action‍ came during a key roundtable discussion at the Africa Financial Industry ⁣Summit 2025.

AI’s Growing⁣ Role in‌ African Financial Services

Olajolo’s remarks were delivered ⁢during a strategic ‌roundtable titled “Smart insurance: Sharpening up​ Claims, Risk Modelling and Operations with AI and Insurtech.” The session convened prominent figures from Africa’s insurance and financial technology sectors to explore the transformative impact of AI and digital solutions. moderated by Mohamed Ali Jebira, Partner, Financial services ‍Advisory at Deloitte, the roundtable included ⁢Deputy Commissioner of the National Insurance Commission of Ghana, Bernard Ohemeng-Baah,‌ among other ⁤panelists.

Discussions centered on leveraging AI and insurtech to‍ enhance efficiency,‌ combat fraud, and⁣ broaden insurance access across the continent, all while upholding transparency and adhering to ⁤regulatory⁣ standards.The focus extended ‌beyond simply adopting ​technology to building robust frameworks for its responsible implementation.

Claims⁣ Processing: The ​Low-Hanging Fruit for AI

Olajolo ⁣highlighted claims processing as the area ⁣where AI is currently delivering the most tangible benefits.‍ automation and image ‌recognition technologies are demonstrably reducing claim processing times and improving accuracy. He ⁣stated ⁤that “AI⁢ delivers the fastest and most ⁢visible value‌ in ⁣claims,”⁢ citing examples like automated image recognition for vehicle damage‍ assessment​ and predictive models designed to identify perhaps fraudulent claims.

According to Olajolo, a significant portion of global insurers are ‍already capitalizing on these advancements. “Between 60 ⁣and 70 per cent of major insurers ​globally have already​ deployed AI in claims management.”⁤ This adoption is ‍driving efficiency ⁤and fairness, shortening claim cycles and improving the overall ‍customer ​experiance.

However, he cautioned against viewing AI as a panacea. ⁤ Triumphant implementation, he stressed, hinges ‍on robust governance structures and clearly defined business objectives.⁤ Simply deploying AI without a strategic plan can ⁤led to suboptimal​ results and potential risks.

Underwriting and Risk Assessment:​ A Data-Driven Future

beyond claims, ⁤Olajolo pointed⁢ to‍ the potential of machine learning in revolutionizing underwriting practices.By analyzing a wider⁢ range ⁣of​ data⁢ points – including⁣ behavioral, environmental, and financial data – insurers can more accurately ⁢assess risks and develop ‍fairer, more personalized pricing models.

This data-driven approach allows for a more nuanced ⁢understanding⁣ of individual ⁤risk profiles, ‍moving away from conventional,⁣ often generalized, underwriting methods. ⁤ The result is the potential for⁣ more inclusive insurance products and ‌services, tailored to⁣ the ‌specific⁣ needs of diverse ​customer⁢ segments.