Continental Reinsurance Plc has announced the 6th pan-African (re)insurance journalism awards winners.The category winners are:
Best Re/Insurance French entry – Amadou Oury Diallo, Jeune Afrique Media Group, Senegal
Best Re/Insurance Print Article, Patrick Alushula, Nation Media Group, Kenya
Best Re/Insurance online article, Londiwe Buthelezi, Fin24, South Africa
Best Re/Insurance Broadcast Article, Mwape Zulu Kumwenda, Prime Television, Zambia
Anass Sabit, Joy News, Ghana, won the Future Talent award for highlighting the plight of a community battling the absence of water amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 6th edition attracted close to 100 entries across 16 African countries. Sixty-six entries were shortlisted for an independent jury to select the overall winners. They assessed the entries on set criteria, including raising awareness on a current news story or other noteworthy insurance issue.
The winners will receive an exclusive year-long mentorship to develop their insurance sector reporting skills further. This is in addition to cash prizes and attendance at the next Continental Re’s CEO summit, health situation and government restrictions permitting.
Michael Wilson, Chair of the judging panel, said, “We were inspired by the diversity in the reporting showcasing varied angles on the subject of insurance. We reviewed entries that connected with the audience in exciting and balanced ways. We encourage all who participated to continue carrying the message of insurance as this will, over time, positively change the trajectory of the insurance subject.
“I want to thank my fellow co-judges Shiam Appannah, Nadia Acogny-Mensah, Gareth Stokes, Jared Obuya and Kenneth Igbomor for their work in reviewing the submissions.”
Lawrence Nazare, newly-installed Group Managing Director, Continental Reinsurance Plc, added, “Currently, insurance penetration ranges between one and three percent in most African countries. But this is a sector on the up and the subject is gaining appreciation. As industry players, we have the responsibility to encourage and inspire journalists to report on insurance.
“And as a pan-African entity, we welcome this year’s improved geographic diversity of the finalists’ and balanced gender inclusivity. Two female journalists made it to the top whilst the winners represented five different countries: Senegal, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and Ghana.
“I want to congratulate all the winners. Continue to tell the insurance story and remain great role models to other insurance reporters. We are optimistic that reach and positive perception of insurance will be expanded and subsequently the uptake of insurance products enhanced across Africa.”
The awards show was hosted online by Michael Wilson, and the following winners and runner-up positions were recognized:
Best Re/Insurance Print Article – English
Name of Entrant Media Organization Country Entry Headline
Winner Patrick Alushula Nation Media Group Kenya Covid-19 job losses lift profile of layoff covers
Second prize Nelson Muhoozi Mandela New Vision Printing & Publishing Co Uganda Microinsurance pivotal in enabling growth of SMEs
Third Prize Beldeen Nambobi Waliaula Standard Group Media Kenya Lack of health insurance exposes many to disaster
Third Prize Tunde Ajaja Punch Newspaper Nigeria #EndSARS violence: Harvest of losses for looted businesses without insurance
Best Re/Insurance Online Article – English
Winner Londiwe Buthelezi Fin24 South Africa An economic and insurance disaster’: The lockdown claims case that shook an industry
Second prize Felix Dela Klutse Business Day Media Ghana Ghana’s Insurance Sector in line with global best practices
Third prize Chuks Udo Okonta Inspenonline Limited Nigeria Insurers moving beyond claims settlement amid COVID-19
Best Re/Insurance Broadcast (TV/Radio) Article – English
Winner Mwape Zulu Kumwenda Prime Television Zambia Insurance in livestock
Second prize Destiny Onyemihia Voice of Nigeria Nigeria Cybersecurity: An Imperative for Insurance Companies in Nigeria
Third Prize Mercy Tyra Murengu Online Journalist Kenya UNDERSTANDING RE-INSURANCE
Best Re/Insurance Print, Online or Broadcast Article – French
Winner Amadou Oury Diallo Jeune Afrique Media Group Senegal Les assureurs sénégalais veulent leur part de la manne pétro-gazière
Second prize Quentin Velluet Jeune Afrique Media Group France L’assurtech dans les starting-blocks
Third prize Fraterne NDACYAYISENGA Africa 24 Rwanda Rwanda, L’ASSURANCE AGRICOLE ENFIN UNE RÉALITÉ
Third prize Ould Khettab Jeune Afrique Media Group Algeria Le nouveau souffle de Wided Belhouchet pour Cash Assurances en Algérie
Future talent award
Winner Anass Sabit Joy News Ghana Covid-19 pandemic: Battling absence of water in Atebubu amidst outbreak