Hermann Nzi, CEO of Optimus Assurances, shares his insights on the current dynamics of the insurance market. In an environment marked by profound economic and technological changes, the African insurance sector continues its transformation. Despite still low penetration rates on the continent, industry players are taking initiatives to expand access to insurance products, build trust among policyholders, and adapt their offerings to local realities.
Between digital innovation, pursuit of sustainable growth, regional consolidation, and the ambition to position insurance as a lever for financing African economies, the sector seems to be entering a more strategic and structuring phase. Beyond the announcements made during the recent assemblies of the Federation of African National Insurance Companies (FANAF), this exclusive interview highlights the major challenges of the year, opportunities to seize, and the vision of a leader committed to modernizing and strengthening insurance in Africa.
With ten years of experience in several local and international insurance companies – in brokerage, life insurance, and non-life insurance – Hermann N’ZI has built a rich, both human and professional, career. This journey led him, in 2018, to found OPTIMUS, a company specializing in insurance consulting and brokerage.
His focus on the insurance sector is no coincidence. After obtaining his scientific baccalaureate (series D), he passed the entrance exam for the National Polytechnic Institute Felix Houphouet-Boigny (INP-HB) in Yamoussoukro, in the short cycle of Commerce and Business Administration (CAE). After a common core, he naturally chose to specialize in insurance.
Hermann N’ZI holds a DUT in Insurance from INP-HB in Yamoussoukro and a Master of Science in Management and Marketing from IPAG Business School in Paris. He is also a certified ISO 31000 risk manager, consultant, contributor, and trainer in insurance, recognized for his expertise and commitment to sector development.
