• L’Africaine de courtage launches in Gabon amid market downturn
• Gabon’s insurance revenue fell 54.6% in Q1 2025
• Firm aims to boost broker role, led by industry veterans

L’Africaine de courtage, a new insurance brokerage firm, officially launched its operations on Saturday, September 6, in Akanda, Gabon. Founded by Prisca Koho Nlend, the company aims to strengthen the role of brokers in the national economy and contribute to the sector’s development.

At the launch ceremony, Chairperson of the Board Félicité Makosso described the company as a platform to assist clients with their insurance choices. Étienne Ramba, the national director of insurance, noted that Gabon currently ranks fifth in Africa for insurance sector performance and voiced his support for the project.

L'Africaine de courtage enters a market with established players like Ascoma Gabon, Olea Gabon, and Assureurs Conseil Réunis (ACR S.A.). The firm intends to connect clients with insurance companies for a variety of needs, including insurance, loans, real estate, and financial products.

The company is led by a team with extensive experience in the insurance sector. Makosso spent 28 years at Axa Gabon, with a focus on IT and transportation. CEO Guy Adotevi held leadership roles at Axa Gabon, Ascoma Gabon, and Gras-Savoye Gabon, specializing in industrial risks and managing property and casualty portfolios. Their combined experience strengthens the new firm's position against its established competitors.

Market Challenges

The company's launch comes at a challenging time for the industry. According to a report from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Gabon's insurance market revenue dropped by 54.6% in the first quarter of 2025. This decline was attributed to the cancellation of major contracts and the delayed renewal of others.

The non-life insurance sector was hit particularly hard, with a 60.8% decrease in revenue, primarily in the transportation, civil liability, and property damage segments. In contrast, the life and capitalization sector saw a 2.8% increase in revenue, driven by growth in savings products (48%), mixed products (44%), and capitalization products (9%).

The commission paid to brokers also fell by 29.5% in the first quarter of 2025, a sign of increasing pressure from digitalization and the rise of direct sales from insurance companies. The entry of new brokers like L’Africaine de courtage could help revitalize the sector by enhancing intermediation and the quality of advice provided to clients.

Chamberline Moko