The 12th forum of the Fédération des Sociétés d'Assurances de Droit National Africaines (FANAF) kicked off on November 2, 2026, in Lomé, Togo. The event, co-organized with the Association Professionnelle des Sociétés d'Assurance du Togo (APSAT), focuses on repositioning Article 13 of the Code CIMA to guarantee the financial health and sustainability of the insurance sector in the CIMA zone. The article, adopted in 2011, introduced the principle of compulsory payment of insurance premiums before the entry into force or renewal of contracts.
The 2011 reform, Regulation N°0001/CIMA/PCMA/PCE/2011, aimed to sanitize the financial situation of insurance companies in West and Central Africa by eradicating premium arrears. The regulation stipulates that the effectiveness of insurance contracts is conditioned on the actual payment of premiums by subscribers. Fifteen years after its adoption, the forum seeks to assess the implementation of Article 13 and its impact on the financial health and sustainability of insurance companies.
The forum brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing Article 13. The event features communications that will establish a clear and exhaustive accounting situation of premium arrears, analyze the reasons for the gradual relaxation of the article's implementation, and explore ways to reestablish a strict application of the article.
The Minister of Health, Hygiene, and Universal Coverage, Jean-Marie Koffi Tessi, commended FANAF's initiative to revisit Article 13. He noted that the 2011 reform was a significant step towards structuring the common market and restoring credibility to the insurance industry. However, he expressed concern over the progressive relaxation of the reform's implementation, which has led to a resurgence of old habits, including credit insurance and premium arrears.
Minister Tessi emphasized that the insurance industry's credibility relies on strict adherence to regulations. He encouraged FANAF to promote a collective surge to counter the gap between the text and practice. The minister's sentiments were echoed by André Apélété Azibli, President of APSAT, who stressed the need for discipline in the insurance industry to ensure its growth and sustainability.
Azibli noted that a solid market requires discipline, and growth must be balanced with financial equilibrium and respect for commitments. He called for a return to the strict implementation of Article 13, which would enable the industry to regain control of its collective destiny and promote a more disciplined, credible, and modern African insurance industry.
The forum aims to promote a collective commitment to reestablishing the strict application of Article 13 and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the African insurance market. The event provides a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions and find solutions to the challenges facing the industry.
Key points
- The 12th FANAF forum in Togo focuses on repositioning Article 13 of the CIMA Code to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the African insurance market.
