• MUA enters into an agreement with Proparco, a leading international Development Finance Institution, for a proposed equity investment of USD 10M (“the investment”), subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
• The milestone investment will enable MUA to strengthen its financial capacity and support sustainability initiatives in line with its strategic plan, TRANSITION 2023.
• The introduction of the reputable international strategic investor will diversify MUA’s shareholding beyond Mauritius.
• Proparco has a proven and successful track record in the region, investing in companies whose activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and supporting growth through its wide network and expertise.
• Proparco will leverage its extensive experience in the insurance sector to support MUA in strategy, business development and Environmental & Social practices.

MUA Ltd, a regional insurer with operations in Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Seychelles, is pleased to announce the proposed equity investment of USD 10M by Proparco (“the strategic investor”), a leading Development Finance Institution (DFI), and the private financing arm of Group Agence Française de Développement (AFD Group).

The investment represents a landmark partnership between Proparco and MUA, with the strategic investor being the largest international investor of its kind in the regional insurance group. Proparco has been promoting sustainable economic, social, and environmental development practices for over 40 years. This long-term strategic partnership will strengthen MUA’s ability to improve insurance coverage in Africa and accelerate the group’s digital transformation. Proparco will also contribute to the MUA’s governance and value creation through the appointment of one board member to the Board of Directors of MUA.

Through previous investments in the region, Proparco has demonstrated a capacity to mobilise considerable resources and facilitate partnerships, creating opportunities to strengthen business relationships and position investees as leaders in their respective industries. Proparco’s mandate is to foster private investment in emerging and developing economies with the aim of supporting growth and sustainability, and as such is aligned with MUA’s strategy of being a sustainable and responsible insurer as outlined in the group’s current 3-year strategic plan, TRANSITION 2023. “We are looking forward to working with Proparco to strengthen the group’s financial capacity and expand insurance coverage in East Africa. As we embark on a new phase of our regional journey with this respected partner, we aim to deliver on our sustainability objectives and have a greater social impact. Along with the equity proceeds, Proparco brings its considerable regional experience, world-class capabilities and an extensive cross-sector network.”, said MUA Group CEO, Bertrand Casteres.

“This strategic investment testifies to Proparco’s confidence in MUA and its potential to contribute to the growth of the insurance industry in Africa, while pursuing its transformation into a marketleading sustainable insurer. We are pleased to make this investment, which highlights Proparco’s longstanding dedication to backing African insurance players committed to sustainable development. MUA’s experienced and committed team, as well as its strong risk management culture and underwriting capabilities have given resilience to the company during the covid-19 crisis and will be key assets to realize its ambitious strategic objectives over the coming years.” said Djalal Khimdjee, Proparco’s Deputy CEO.

MUA is a leading insurer in the region and is part of the GLOBUS Pan-African insurance network (Link HERE). Over the past year, MUA has launched its 3-year strategic plan, TRANSITION 2023, been included in the Stock Exchange of Mauritius’ Sustainability Index (SEMSI) and defined its Socially Responsible Investment Policy (Link HERE). The strategic investor aims to facilitate and assist with further improvements to MUA’s environmental, social and governance initiatives.