The 12th Casablanca Insurance Rendez-vous has opened in Morocco, bringing together global insurance leaders to discuss AI, regulation, climate risk and digital services in Africa. The event is organised by the Moroccan Insurance Federation.
This year’s theme is “New Services and Coverages: Insurance Conquering New Territories”. Speakers said the sector is adapting to geopolitical uncertainty, new technologies and changing customer expectations.
FMA president Mohamed Hassan Bensalah said artificial intelligence and data tools are transforming how insurers work. He said trust remains at the centre of the business.
A cooperation agreement was signed between the federation and the Omani Insurance Association to support knowledge sharing and strengthen links between Moroccan and Omani markets.
Morocco is also preparing regulatory updates. Mr Bensalah highlighted the expected reform of Book IV of the Insurance Code. Abderrahim Chaffai, head of the Supervisory Authority of Insurance and Social Welfare, said a new risk-based solvency framework is expected this quarter. The system will align capital requirements with the real risks faced by insurers.
Industry speakers said global risks are changing quickly. Growing geopolitical tensions are increasing demand for political risk insurance. War-related losses are usually excluded from standard policies, and interest is growing in wider cover for businesses and individuals.
Africa’s insurance gap remains a major challenge. Many people still do not have formal cover. Insurers are exploring mobile solutions to provide simple and accessible products. Examples include mobile retirement savings in Kenya and India’s digital pension system for informal workers.
Population ageing is also becoming an important issue. Longer life expectancy is putting pressure on pension systems. Insurers are studying models from Latin America and Asia that combine digital tools with savings incentives.
Morocco’s move towards risk-based solvency reflects global standards such as the EU’s Solvency II framework. These systems link capital levels to specific risks to ensure insurers can pay claims during major crises.
Younger customers are reshaping the market. Generations Y and Z are expected to make up more than half of the workforce. They value transparency and social impact, pushing insurers to offer simpler and more flexible products.
Climate and cyber threats were highlighted as major emerging risks. Parametric insurance is gaining interest, with payouts triggered by measurable data such as wind speed or earthquake magnitude. This allows faster support after disasters.
