Health insurance in Africa on the rise

Cape Town - The future for health insurance providers in Africa looks bright, according to Andrew Schwulst, CEO of Liberty Health.

“With an average annual growth rate forecast of 6% for Africa’s 54 countries in 2035, the continent is alive with opportunity,” says Schwulst.

“The growing presence of large corporates in Africa is a welcome boost for job creation and local economies. Economic growth directly translates into a growing workforce – this is good news for insurance companies.”

Expats, international companies operating on the continent, small business owners and the general public are all contributing to a growing middle class. Figures indicate that Africa's middle class has more than tripled over the past 30 years. This trend, which is set to continue in the foreseeable future, bodes well for the health insurance industry.

The most recent Global Economic Prospects Report by the World Bank shows that 54 African economies collectively grew on average by 3.4% last year. Whilst this is lower than previous years, Africa's average growth rate exceeds expansions recorded in the United States (1.9%), Europe's eurozone (0.4%), Australia (0.7%), or even the world (2.4%).

Top African performers last year, were Ethiopia (10.2%), Ivory Coast (8.4%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (8%), Rwanda (7.4%) and Tanzania (7.2%).

“Africa’s middle-class growth trajectory is evident in consumer spending habits, with increased focus on retail, telecommunications, financial services and healthcare,” says Schwulst.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that the number of Africans entering the workplace will exceed that of the rest of the world combined.

“The increased demand for goods and services is also attributed to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. Health insurance providers in Africa are yet to fully tap into the SME market,” says Schwulst.

He cautions, however, that one size does not fit all regarding health insurance products for Africa.