Chisamba, Zambia – March 2025 – The Council of Bureaux (CoB) Secretariat recently hosted its second annual retreat in the picturesque town of Chisamba, Fringila, Zambia. The retreat, held from March 25-27, 2025, brought together key members from insurance and transportation sectors across Africa to discuss critical matters related to the region’s transport and insurance industries, and to enhance collaboration among its diverse stakeholders.
The retreat, which was organized by the Council of Bureaux Secretariat, was designed to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and review the progress made in addressing issues related to the International Motor Insurance System (IMIS). With delegates and senior executives in attendance, the event provided a platform for reflection on the work of the CoB and explored innovative solutions for tackling the current challenges facing the industry.
Key Highlights of the Retreat
The retreat began with an official welcome address by the Council of Bureaux Secretariat's Executive Director, who emphasized the importance of the event as an opportunity to both celebrate the successes of the Council and address the evolving needs of the member bureaus. The Executive Director also expressed gratitude to the government of Zambia for its continuous support of the Council’s initiatives.
The opening session of the retreat included presentations from senior leaders in the insurance industry and transport sectors, who shared insights into emerging trends, technological innovations, and the need for a unified regulatory framework across African nations. Among the most discussed topics were the expansion of the IMIS, which ensures that cross-border vehicle insurance claims are processed efficiently, and efforts to harmonize insurance standards across regional and international boundaries.
In addition to strategic discussions, the event featured a series of interactive workshops that aimed to equip attendees with practical knowledge on enhancing cooperation and addressing key challenges such as fraud prevention, consumer protection, and the expansion of digital platforms in the industry.
Networking and Collaborations
A highlight of the retreat was the networking opportunities it provided for members to build stronger relationships and explore new avenues of cooperation. Delegates were able to meet and discuss with peers from other national bureaus, which allowed for the sharing of best practices and solutions tailored to the African context. Several partnerships were forged during these discussions, promising long-term benefits for the future development of the transport and insurance sectors across the continent.
The event also served as a springboard for the creation of a new working group tasked with examining the effectiveness of regional motor insurance agreements and their impact on the ease of cross-border travel and trade in Africa.
Addressing Regional Challenges
A significant portion of the retreat was dedicated to addressing the persistent challenges faced by bureaus in terms of regulatory compliance, coordination between member countries, and the practical implementation of the IMIS across all African nations. The Council of Bureaux Secretariat’s leadership reiterated its commitment to working closely with regional authorities to streamline processes, ensure transparency, and enhance the overall functioning of the system.
Delegates also discussed the growing need for awareness campaigns to educate consumers on their rights and responsibilities when it comes to vehicle insurance, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The discussions underscored the Council’s goal of creating a more inclusive and accessible insurance ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
The 2nd Council of Bureaux Secretariat Retreat concluded on a hopeful note, with all parties reaffirming their commitment to advancing the goals of the Council and the broader African insurance and transport industries. Key resolutions were made, including the need to establish stronger digital infrastructure and enhanced communication channels to support the future growth of the International Motor Insurance System.
As delegates departed from Chisamba, there was a palpable sense of optimism and shared purpose. The Council of Bureaux Secretariat will continue to monitor the progress of these initiatives and provide the necessary support to ensure that the solutions discussed at the retreat are implemented effectively. With the next retreat already on the horizon, the focus will remain on uniting African nations to create a robust, efficient, and forward-thinking transport and insurance ecosystem.
This retreat in Chisamba not only highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Council of Bureaux but also reaffirmed its crucial role in fostering regional cooperation and contributing to Africa's sustainable development.