PIA eyes faith-based groups, local organisations to widen insurance coverage

The Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA) says it plans to partner with community-based organisations and religious groups to expand insurance access among rural and underserved populations.

PIA Registrar and Chief Executive, Namakau Ntini, said the strategy is aimed at building trust and increasing uptake by using institutions that people already interact with daily.

Speaking at the presentation of the 2025 FinScope Topline Findings in Lusaka last week on Thursday April 30, 2026, Ntini said low awareness and trust remain key barriers to insurance penetration despite progress made since 2005.

She said the micro-insurance regulatory framework now recognises aggregators such as corporates, churches and community organisations to distribute insurance products through trusted channels.

Ntini said many people, particularly in rural areas, prefer engaging with familiar institutions rather than insurers, especially as financial services continue to move online.

She said the authority is shifting focus from generic products to tailored insurance solutions for women, youth and farmers, while encouraging insurers to adopt end-to-end digital systems to improve onboarding and claims processing.

“Insurance is based on trust, and that trust must be proven at the claims stage,” Ntini said.

She also highlighted climate resilience products as increasingly important for farmers, noting that new conduct regulations introduced in December set timelines for claims settlement.

Ntini also urged the industry to reduce operational costs in order to make micro-insurance more affordable and sustainable, particularly for low-income households.

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