Experience, trusted advice, innovation and value are the four hallmarks of successful international trade and risk management, says Bob Finch, CEO of AFL Insurance Brokers, the proud Insurance Partner for Trade SSA.
Earlier in September, we announced AFL’s selection as an Insurance Partner for the innovative online Trade SSA platform.
Launched this year as an initiative from Africa House London and Africa Trade Ltd, Trade SSA is a digital trade and investment tool designed to automatically connect users with buyers, suppliers and distributors throughout Africa and the UK.
The platform has already attracted over 6,000 organisations from across sectors and industries. Sounding like a good concept? We think so.
Businesses that have had the foresight to sign up to Trade SSA recognise two trends: firstly there is strong growth and interest in cross border trade in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); and secondly, that innovative digital platforms are a key element in unlocking efficient processes and establishing new relationships.
Buyers, suppliers and distributors
Trade SSA is tapping into both of these trends in its mission to automatically connect users with buyers, suppliers and distributors throughout SSA and the UK.
The continent of Africa clearly offers significant potential for future investment, with SSA identified as the second fastest-growing region in the world.
And technology is of course playing a key role in the development of this region, as it is throughout Africa and globally, with upcoming generations embracing the digital age. New business models are built around the most modern technology available, and where this isn’t available, entrepreneurs are emerging to develop it.
Now, more than ever, it is critical that companies select the right partners that understand the new business models emerging thanks to technology, including app-based businesses, and online-only companies.
The insurance industry essentially exists to facilitate and empower cross border trade; to support new business models and to manage the ever changing risks faced in different sectors and geographies.
But advising on managing these risks goes hand-in-hand with experience and in depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape in different territories, particularly in a rapidly developing regulatory environment.
A specialist partner
Thanks to our membership of the Worldwide Broker Network, our global network includes brokers in over 500 cities around the world, including extensive coverage in SSA.
As well as supporting traditional businesses, we also specialise in developing insurance products and risk management support for technology companies. We are blazing a trail in creating innovative new insurance products to empower ground-breaking business models, for instance app-based companies in the sharing economy, travel and on-demand sectors.
We are proud that AFL is the expert insurance Partner for Trade SSA, and look forward to further supporting the important work of Africa House and its partners, including future trade missions.
Find out more about Trade SSA.