Turaco, a microinsurance company, has announced the promotion of Cedrick Todwell to Chief Commercial Officer, Africa. Todwell assumed the new role on October 1 and will oversee commercial strategy, revenue growth, partnerships, and market expansion across Africa. He joined the company in 2024 and has been instrumental in its commercial growth in East Africa. Todwell's promotion is part of Turaco's expansion strategy, which includes entering new markets and strengthening its position as an insurer.
Turaco operates in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, and Tanzania, with plans to expand into Rwanda. The company has also entered Pakistan as part of its expansion into Asia. Turaco has reached over eight million people through partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, telecommunications companies, and other distributors. These partnerships enable the company to distribute insurance through financial and digital services already used by customers, targeting those with limited access to insurance.
Todwell's focus will be on growing market share, strengthening partnerships, and developing new business opportunities across Africa. He will work closely with country teams and partners to expand distribution and revenue. Turaco's growth has been driven largely by partnerships with firms such as M-KOPA, Absa, ASA International, VisionFund, Opportunity Bank, Advans, Safaricom, Airtel, dfcu Bank, Moniepoint, and One Acre Fund.
Turaco is also leveraging artificial intelligence in areas such as customer onboarding, engagement, and claims processing to reduce the time and cost involved in delivering insurance services. The company's long-term goal is to insure one billion people globally. Turaco provides life, health, and asset insurance through embedded partnerships with financial institutions, fintech companies, and telecommunications providers.
Turaco co-founder and CEO Ted Pantone said Todwell's promotion reflects his significant contributions to the company's commercial growth over the past two years and the company's ambition for the next phase of the business. Todwell said his focus would be on strengthening existing operations, expanding across Africa, and building partnerships that create long-term value.
Turaco has received recognition for its innovative approach to insurance, including winning the Innovation of the Year award at the African Insurance Awards organised by Africa Re in June. The company was also ranked 29th among Africa's fastest-growing companies in the Financial Times' 2026 ranking and second among Kenyan companies.
Turaco plans to launch in two additional African underwriting markets by the end of this year, subject to regulatory approvals. The company's expansion plans are driven by its goal of increasing access to insurance services for people across the continent. With Todwell at the helm of its commercial strategy, Turaco is poised for further growth and expansion in the African and Asian markets.
Key points
- Turaco promotes Cedrick Todwell to Chief Commercial Officer, Africa, amid expansion plans.
- The company operates in six African countries and has entered Pakistan as part of its Asian expansion.
- Turaco aims to insure one billion people globally through its innovative partnerships and use of artificial intelligence.
