Delphine Traoré is redefining Africa’s insurance industry through inclusive leadership, strategic growth, and digital transformation.
A trailblazer in Africa’s insurance landscape, Delphine Traoré is now leading one of the continent’s most ambitious insurance ventures. As of September 2023, she assumed the role of CEO at SanlamAllianz General Insurance, following the landmark merger between Allianz and Sanlam’s insurance operations across Africa. The newly established SanlamAllianz combines Sanlam’s deep-rooted presence on the continent with Allianz’s global insurance expertise, forming a unified pan-African powerhouse now active in approximately 27 markets.
The merger created a platform that offers a broad spectrum of insurance and financial services, including life and general insurance, asset management, and specialised financial products. With a focus on improving access to insurance and enhancing the customer experience, SanlamAllianz has prioritised growth in fast-expanding economies such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
How it started
Traoré’s journey with Allianz began in 2005 at the Canadian subsidiary of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS). She steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as CEO of AGCS Africa from 2012 to 2017 and simultaneously holding executive board positions. Her impact is evident in the company’s remarkable growth trajectory. During her tenure at Allianz Africa prior to the merger, she was crucial in driving significant expansion outside South Africa, achieving growth rates upwards of 1500% from 2013 to 2015 and consistently increasing profitability.
Traoré’s appointment as Regional CEO of Allianz Africa in November 2021 marked a historic milestone, as she became the first African woman to hold such a high-level position within the Allianz Group. In this role, she was responsible for strategic growth and operations across 15 African countries. Her leadership during this period laid the groundwork for the subsequent merger with Sanlam and her current leadership of SanlamAllianz.
Since taking on her current role, Traoré has directed the company’s focus towards digital transformation, expanding bancassurance distribution, and developing customised insurance products aimed at underserved groups such as small businesses, informal workers, and corporate clients. Traoré is also recognised for her efforts in advancing corporate governance and promoting diversity within the insurance industry. During her time at Allianz, she was the only Black woman on the company’s global executive committee. She has actively supported initiatives to empower women in leadership and has mentored emerging professionals across the continent.
In addition to her corporate roles, Traoré has held several influential positions within the wider insurance sector. She served as President of the African Insurance Organisation and the Insurance Institute of South Africa, and currently sits on the boards of institutions such as Africa Reinsurance, African Risk Capacity Ltd, AGRA, and Ivanhoe Mines. These roles connect her to various development initiatives addressing financial inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
In 2023, Delphine Traoré was awarded Best CEO of the Year at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, an honour attributed to her leadership during the Allianz–Sanlam merger and her commitment to strengthening corporate governance.
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