Bupa Global, has opened its first office in Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
It will be led by a new CEO and principal officer, Uditha Jayaratne.
The development follows the approval of an insurance license for Bupa Global by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) of Kenya.
Bupa Global said Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, has been identified as a key growth market in Bupa Global’s IPMI strategy.
The country has experienced continuous GDP growth in recent years and has a long-term goal to achieve middle-income status by 2030, with the country’s health insurance market projected to nearly double in size, growing from US$1.42bn in 2022 to US$2.77bn during the same time period.
The new office will employ a local team and non-executive directors, so that Bupa Global will be able to more easily identify the needs of its brokers, customers and the Kenyan market.
The expansion reflects broader trends across sub-Saharan Africa, with earlier predictions identifying it as a leading area of IPMI growth, projected at around 14-15% by 2025.
Bupa Global said the Kenyan government’s Vision 2030 plan, which prioritises access to quality healthcare, provides an ideal environment for Bupa Global’s services.
It added: “The recent enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, mandating health coverage for all citizens, underscores the growing demand for comprehensive and accessible healthcare solutions.”
The Nairobi office will help meet demand by using new digital tools and offering a range of international health insurance plans designed for SMEs, individuals, expatriates and corporates.
Customers will also benefit from direct access to leading medical specialists and a global network of top healthcare providers. Existing customers in Kenya will continue to enjoy uninterrupted service as they transition to the local office.
In 2023, Bupa Global committed nearly £55m over five years to enhance its digital capabilities.
Anthony Cabrelli, managing director, Bupa Global, said: “Kenya is a crucial market for us and a gateway to the incredible opportunities we see across Africa.
“With a local office and continued investments in digital capabilities, we’re creating an ecosystem that makes world-class healthcare more accessible across the region.”
Uditha Jayaratne, CEO and principal officer, Bupa Global Kenya, (pictured) said: “Opening our Nairobi office shows how committed we are to success in the region.
“With a local team on the ground and strong partnerships with local providers and intermediaries, we can offer care that really meets people’s needs.”
And in a LinkedIn post, Jayaratne said: “Very excited to be announcing the opening of our Nairobi office and our first directly licenced entity in Africa.
“This shows how committed we are to the region and with the local team on the ground, I am looking forward to spearheading our strategy in the region.”
