By David Akinmola
Continental Reinsurance Plc has reaffirmed its leadership role in advancing technological innovation and human capital development in the African insurance industry with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art N70 million Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at the College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM), in Lagos.
The new facility, named the M.H. Koguna IT Lab in honour of Continental Reinsurance’s first Chairman, was conceived by the Group Managing Director, Lawrence Nazare, in December 2024, and successfully executed under the leadership of the Managing Director, ContinentalRe, Dr. Fatai Kayode Lawal.
Built in partnership with the Chartered Insurance Institution of Nigeria (CIIN) and CIFM, the project underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of insurance professionals by providing them with modern digital tools and infrastructure needed to compete in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony,the Managing Director of the ContinentalRe,Dr. Kayode Lawal, said the project forms part of the reinsurer’s broader agenda to empower the insurance ecosystem through sustainable investments in education, research, and digital transformation.
“The M.H Koguna IT Lab is more than a building it represents our believe that the future of insurance in Africa will be shaped by knowledge, technology, and innovation, “Dr. Lawal said. “We are proud to contribute to developing professionals who will lead this transformation.”
Atlso speaking, CIIN President, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, commended Continental Re for its foresight and sustained commitment to capacity building withing the industry.
She noted that the ICT facility would bridge the digital gap in the insurance education and enhance the training of future practitioners.
Chairman of CIFM’s Board, Jide Orimolade, described the project as a legacy investment that would expand digital learning opportunities and boost the institution’s capability to deliver world-class training centre.
The event was attended by key industry stakeholders, who reiterated the company’s strategic focus on using technology to foster innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity across Africa’s insurance landscape.
With this initiative , the Reinsurer continues to position itself not only as a major player in underwriting and risk management but also as a strong advocate for digital transformation and knowledge-driven growth within the continental’s insurance industry.
