LocationsThe Future Is Covered: Nurturing Inclusive Insurance Solutions in Tanzania
May 24, 2025
In Tanzania, where climate shocks, health emergencies, and financial uncertainties often hit the most vulnerable the hardest, a quiet transformation is taking root—one centered on hope, innovation, and protection. At the heart of this shift is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), working through its Insurance and Risk Financing Facility. The mission? To unlock the power of inclusive insurance to help Tanzanians not just survive disruptions—but bounce back stronger. This journey took an exciting leap forward with the launch of the Insurance Innovation Challenge—a platform designed to spark bold ideas that meet the real-world needs of underserved communities.
A Bootcamp with a Purpose
In partnership with the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA), the Association of Tanzania Insurers (ATI), and MUA, UNDP hosted a three-day Insurance Innovation Challenge Bootcamp—an intensive, hands-on experience that brought together 20 promising innovators: rising entrepreneurs and progressive insurance providers.
Their shared goal? To co-create customer-centric insurance solutions that are practical, affordable, and life-changing for low-income communities. From the outset, the bootcamp emphasized one thing above all: empathy.
Day one focused on grounding participants in the core principles of inclusive insurance, with a strong lens on understanding the lived realities of the people these products aim to serve. Through interactive exercises and open discussions, the innovators began to walk in the shoes of their future users—learning to design with, not just for, the community.
Participants at the Group discussion on pitch deck creation of inclusive insurance solutions at the Insurance Innovation Challenge Bootcamp
From Insights to Impact
Day two was all about building. Armed with user insights, the teams began shaping tangible product ideas. Facilitators helped them navigate complex topics—delivery models, pricing strategies, value-added services—and align them with inclusive principles. Specialized sessions tackled regulatory compliance and the smart use of data, ensuring that the solutions weren’t just bold—but bankable.
“We are truly honored to participate in this bootcamp. Among fellow innovators, we have learned the importance of designing products based on customer needs rather than the company’s assumptions. This experience has also highlighted the essential role of research in developing innovative and effective solutions that truly address real-world problems," said Irene Eliezer from Laina Company Limited, one of the shortlisted innovators.
By day three, the energy was electric. Ideas were sharpened, feasibility assessed, and pitches perfected. With UNDP’s official pitch framework as their guide, each team crafted their story—ready to take the next step from concept to reality.
Mentors, Momentum, and the Road Ahead
What truly brought the bootcamp to life were the voices of seasoned industry leaders—joining as mentors, guest speakers, and sounding boards. Their real-world insights gave participants a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of Tanzania’s insurance landscape. They spoke of change, but more importantly, of possibility.
Ledwina Msangi, a facilitator from MUA Tanzania, expressed her appreciation to all partners for hosting the Innovation Challenge. She highlighted MUA Tanzania’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, noting, “We have provided training during the bootcamp to help innovators develop innovative products, conduct market research, and clearly define objectives throughout the entire process.” She said.
The UNDP IRFF National Project Coordinator, Josephine Laswai emphasized the importance of understanding the roles that insurance stakeholders play across the value chains.
This bootcamp was more than a training—it was a milestone. It showed what’s possible when we bring together innovation, inclusion, and local talent. As these innovators move forward, refining their solutions and engaging with investors, one thing is clear: the seeds of resilience have been planted. Through initiatives like this, UNDP is helping to build a future where insurance is not a privilege, but a lifeline—accessible, inclusive, and tailored to those who need it most.
The story is just beginning.
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