Investing in impact: why sponsors choose the African Insurance Exchange

The 2025 African Insurance Exchange will be held at Sun City and online from 27 to 30 July, bringing together leading voices from across the insurance sector. As with any event of this scale, sponsorship plays a vital role in making the conference possible, while also offering sponsors a valuable platform for connection, collaboration and visibility.

We caught up with a few of this year’s sponsors to hear why they chose to support the event, and what their involvement represents for their brand and broader business goals. 

Lourens Botha, CEO of Guardrisk, says the AIE provides an invaluable opportunity to network with industry movers and shakers, form new relationships and strengthen existing ones. 

“The annual AIE conference is the only event of its kind on the local insurance calendar – bringing industry players from across the spectrum together in one place for three days every year,” says Botha. 

Guardrisk has been a proud supporter of this conference since 2012 and will be sponsoring the lanyards this year, but Botha says the company’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship. 

“For us, the opportunity to share ideas and brainstorm about the challenges, and opportunities, we face as an industry in an ever shifting global and local landscape, is invaluable. We intend to concentrate on focused interaction with individuals at AIE and particularly appreciate the opportunity to do so during the social events, lunch and refreshment breaks,” he says. 

The baobab theme resonates well with Guardrisk. 

“The baobab symbolises strength, resilience and presence – qualities that resonate deeply with Guardrisk,” says Botha. “Our sustainability is based on an endless determination to reinvent our business, providing innovating risk financing and insurance solutions that protect our clients and help grow their bottom line. 

“Excellent client service is the cornerstone on which we have built our business to become South Africa’s leading cell captive insurer and a significant presence in the niche commercial insurance space.” 

For Gary Tessendorf, regional director Sub-Saharan Africa at Sapiens, this year’s theme – The Baobab Advantage: Multifaceted Growth and Continuous Evolution – couldn’t be more relevant. 

“Absolutely, the theme resonates with us,” he says. “At Sapiens, we’re witnessing how rapid digitisation and AI-driven transformation are reshaping the African insurance landscape. AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a key driver of improved underwriting, customer engagement and operational efficiency. Our collaboration with Microsoft brings world-class AI capabilities to African insurers, empowering them to modernise and stay competitive.” 

Tessendorf is particularly excited about continuing the conversation around real-world AI applications at AIE 2025. 

“Last year, the question was ‘Why AI?’. This year, it’s ‘How do we implement it effectively?’ That shift shows how ready the market is. I’m looking forward to sharing AI use cases in underwriting, risk assessment, claims processing and more, while strengthening local partnerships to scale digital transformation across Africa.” 

Engagement, collaboration and knowledge exchange 

Engagement is key for Sapiens at the event, with a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange. 

“We’re planning to dive deep into conversations around AI, cloud and automation,” he says. “But it’s not just about showcasing technology. It’s also about addressing adoption challenges like trust and regulation, and working with peers to unlock AI’s full potential. We want to be part of practical, forward-thinking conversations that drive action.” 

Tessendorf sees AIE 2025 as more than just a conference. 

“It’s where real change happens," he says. "The pace of digital transformation is accelerating, and insurers can’t afford to fall behind. AIE is where tech leaders, innovators and insurers come together to explore what’s possible. At Sapiens, we’re fully invested in helping insurers navigate what’s next with global expertise, local insights and intelligent solutions that put the customer at the centre.” 

Darryl Grater, Chief Growth Officer at Discovery Insure, echoes Tessendorf’s sentiments. 

“The baobab is a brilliant symbol for our industry,” he says. “It stands for stability, growth and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions – exactly what insurers are being called on to do in a world of rapid change.” 

Grater believes the conference theme speaks to the broader purpose of insurance and to the values that underpin Discovery Insure’s work. 

“At Discovery, we see resilience not just as a goal, but as a process. That’s how we build products that support healthier, safer lives, and how we continue to evolve alongside our clients’ needs.” 

The big conversations 

The African Insurance Exchange has become a flagship event for the industry, bringing together insurers, valued brokers, underwriting managers, regulators, reinsurers, technology and service providers, and thought leaders from across the continent. Grater says it’s this diversity of voices and perspectives that makes the event essential. 

“The AIE is where big conversations happen,” he says. “It’s where we connect, challenge our thinking and explore what the future could look like if we work together. I see the event as a springboard for innovation and collaboration.” 

With Discovery Insure’s strong focus on behavioural science, data-driven design and technology-led solutions, the company is eager to share its learnings and engage with the broader insurance ecosystem. 

“Our team will be at the event throughout, engaging with attendees, participating in sessions and sharing some of the innovations we’ve been working on,” says Grater. “We’re looking forward to both sharing and learning, because our industry grows stronger when we grow together.” 

Book your spot 

For more information on the 2025 African Insurance Exchange, or to book your spot at this exclusive event, visit www.aie2025.co.za.