As insurers have entered the AI age, they’ve often regarded the technology as something like a hot new phone app: They know they want it, but they are still figuring out the best way to use it. For 2026, industry experts foresee a breakthrough year in which AI will become central to how insurers operate—no …

NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business, and technology services, announced the acquisition of Alchemy Technology Services, a specialist insurance technology consultancy. The move reinforces NTT DATA’s commitment to transforming the global insurance ecosystem, addressing current and emerging challenges around agility, modernization, and scalability. In addition to its strong consultancy and Guidewire credentials, …

Digital transformation is not just about being modern—it’s about being meaningful. For Chuma Qwalela, the Head of Strategy and Business Integration at Rand Mutual Assurance, the real challenge of going digital is not about the tech; it’s the mindset. In this interview, she shares how Rand Mutual Assurance is bridging the gap between legacy systems …

Across Africa, the insurance industry is undergoing a period of accelerated change. But while front-end innovation like AI and cybersecurity often grabs headlines, many insurers are quietly tackling a more complex challenge: modernising the legacy core systems that underpin their operations. Legacy platforms, often built over a decade ago, are becoming increasingly difficult — and …

Emerging tech like AI and IoT are reshaping insurance—but not without nuance. We recently interviewed Carli Jacobs, CEO: Swiss Re Africa and Head L&H Middle East & Africa, who offers a refreshingly grounded perspective on what’s worth automating, when AI makes sense, and why responsible AI should guide the way. Q: How do you see …

Leadership in insurance today means more than digital know-how. It’s about cultivating agility, trust, and a culture of innovation. Darryl Grater of Discovery Insure shares what it takes to lead transformation in a time of rapid change and how insurers can balance innovation with responsibility. Q. Darryl, with digital disruption reshaping the insurance sector, what …

Cyber crime is steadily escalating in South Africa’s insurance sector. More and more insurance companies are recognising the need to integrate cybersecurity into their Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks. With the surge in cyber threats, particularly ransomware attacks, and the evolving regulatory environment, insurance companies require a holistic approach to risk management that encompasses cybersecurity …

Consumer expectations are higher than ever, changing as fast as the digital landscape evolves. Modern policyholders demand faster, smarter, and more personalised experiences. This shift is pushing insurers in South Africa and across the continent to rethink how they engage with their customers. For forward-thinking insurance leaders, artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and personalisation offer …

The South African insurance industry is facing some significant hurdles that threaten its stability and growth. In this article we take a look at the key challenges and how these can be overcome by embracing digital transformation. 1. Climate change and the rising frequency of natural disasters The frequency and severity of weather-related events have …