Ivorian Mamadou Koné, Director General of SanlamAllianz Côte d’Ivoire, has been elected as the President of the FANAF (Federation of African National Insurance Companies), a pan-African organization bringing together insurance companies across the continent. The announcement was made during the 50th annual general meeting of FANAF held in Abidjan, attended by key players in the African insurance sector.

Mamadou Koné succeeds César Ekomie-Afene from Gabon and takes the helm of an organization that plays a central role in the development of Africa’s insurance market. The vice-presidency was awarded to Aymric Kamega, CEO of ACAM Vie in Cameroon.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Mamadou Koné also serves as President of the Association of Insurance Companies of Côte d’Ivoire (ASACI) and Vice President of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI). His career, marked by leadership positions both locally and internationally, reflects his commitment to strengthening Africa’s insurance sector.

FANAF, established over 50 years ago, brings together national insurance companies and works to promote responsible practices, modernize the sector, and increase insurance coverage across the continent, which remains low with an average penetration rate of 2.5 percent.

In his inaugural speech, Mamadou Koné emphasized the need to expand financial inclusion, build public trust in insurance, and stimulate the growth of local companies. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but highlighted their importance for Africa’s economic development.

This election represents a historic moment for Côte d’Ivoire, which has, for the first time, placed a national leader at the head of this pan-African body. It also sends a strong signal to the African insurance industry as it faces the dual challenges of digital transformation and broadening its client base.