Insurance brokers and advisers in Tanzania have been urged to move beyond simply selling policies to providing professional advice, helping customers assess risks, and supporting them through the claims process. This call was made by the Tanzania Insurance Brokers Association (Tiba) ahead of its 10th Annual General Meeting scheduled for Zanzibar from September 23 to 25, 2026. The meeting's theme, 'Delivering Value Beyond Policies,' highlights the role of brokers in helping customers understand their risks and secure suitable insurance protection.
Tiba President Elinipa Eliasi emphasized that the value of insurance brokerage should extend beyond issuing policy documents. Brokers should ensure customers understand the cover they are purchasing and how it responds to their circumstances. Professional advice is crucial in this process, as customers need to understand the type of cover that suits their circumstances and the terms attached to their policies. This enables customers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.
According to Eliasi, brokers should remain involved after a policy has been purchased, particularly when customers require assistance in understanding their cover or navigating the claims process. Support at the time of a claim is also part of the value expected from insurance services. Customers may need guidance on procedures and requirements when seeking compensation after an insured risk occurs. This level of support helps build trust and confidence in the insurance industry.
The three-day meeting is expected to bring together insurance brokers and other stakeholders to discuss customer-centred services, the use of digital technology to improve access to insurance, and the future of the brokerage industry. Discussions will focus on how brokers can better understand and respond to policyholders' needs. This includes exploring ways to leverage technology to enhance customer experience and improve the overall efficiency of insurance services.
EIRS Insurance and Risk Solutions regional head for Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Mr Snehal Sheth, noted that changes in the business environment require insurance professionals to help clients identify and manage risks before they develop into crises. Insurance is evolving, and a policy remains important, but clients need more than protection when a crisis strikes. They need a partner who understands their business, anticipates emerging risks, and helps them build resilience.
Sheth emphasized that EIRS' support for the conference reflects its commitment to strengthening industry partnerships through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and improved professional standards. A strong broking profession requires collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strong professional standards. The objective is not simply to support an event but to strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas, and move the conversation from risk protection to risk intelligence.
The shift towards risk intelligence will require insurance professionals to play a broader role in helping businesses identify potential threats, prepare for emerging risks, and strengthen their resilience. This involves moving beyond traditional risk protection to a more proactive and consultative approach. By doing so, insurance brokers can deliver value beyond policies and establish themselves as trusted partners in the risk management process.
Key points
- Insurance brokers in Tanzania are urged to provide professional advice and support to customers beyond simply selling policies.
- The Tanzania Insurance Brokers Association's 10th Annual General Meeting will focus on delivering value beyond policies and the future of the brokerage industry.
- The industry is shifting towards risk intelligence, requiring insurance professionals to help businesses identify and manage risks proactively.
