The First Zonal Meeting of 2026 of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme was held from April 13 to 16, 2026, in Lagos, Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the theme :
“The Digital Divide : Managing Change in the Brown Card Operational Strategy for Effective Cross-Border Claims Settlement.”
The meeting brought together about one hundred delegates from several Member States, with strong participation from stakeholders in the Nigerian insurance industry.
Deliberations Focused on Performance and Digital Integration
Discussions addressed key strategic issues, including :
• strengthening digital integration among National Bureaux ;
• improving the management of cross-border claims ;
• reviewing activity reports of National Bureaux ;
• implementing ongoing reforms, particularly the digitalization of the Scheme in line with Resolution No. 4 of the 41st General Assembly.
Participants emphasized digital transformation as a critical driver for operational efficiency, transparency, and trust among stakeholders.
Digitalization Confirmed as a Strategic Lever
The meeting featured a presentation on the progress of the digitalization project by technical service providers, alongside national experience-sharing, particularly from the Ghana National Bureau.
Key success factors identified include :
• strong governance and institutional commitment ;
• robust and interoperable technological architecture ;
• capacity building for stakeholders ;
• effective coordination among National Bureaux.
Notable Progress and Remaining Challenges
Participants acknowledged significant progress, especially in system modernization, operational performance, and regional cooperation.
However, several challenges remain :
• delays in claims settlement ;
• lack of harmonization across National Bureaux ;
• capacity constraints at technical and financial levels.
Clear Strategic Directions
At the end of the meeting, key priority actions were identified :
1. finalizing the digitalization framework of the Scheme ;
2. strengthening claims monitoring and compliance with settlement timelines ;
3. developing national action plans aligned with regional priorities.
Closing on a Positive Note
The meeting concluded on a positive note, marked by high-quality discussions and constructive contributions.
The Chairman of the Council of Bureaux commended all delegations for their active participation and extended special appreciation to the Nigerian National Bureau for the excellent organization of the meeting.
Towards a More Integrated and Efficient Scheme
This First Zonal Meeting of 2026 represents a significant milestone in the modernization of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, reaffirming Member States’ commitment to building a more integrated, efficient, and resilient system.
