NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – Microinsurance company Turaco has promoted Cedrick Todwell to Chief Commercial Officer, Africa, as it accelerates expansion across the continent and into Asia.

Todwell, who joined Turaco in 2024, assumed the new role on October 1 and will oversee the company’s commercial strategy, revenue growth, partnerships and expansion into new markets across Africa.

His promotion comes as Turaco seeks to grow its customer base, with the insurer saying it has reached more than eight million people through partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, telecommunications companies and other distributors.

Turaco currently operates in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania, while Rwanda is among the markets it is considering for expansion. The company also entered Pakistan in 2026 as part of its expansion into Asia.

The company is seeking to strengthen its position as an insurer, with licensed operations in Kenya and Uganda and a microinsurance underwriting licence in Nigeria.

Turaco plans to enter two additional African underwriting markets by the end of this year, subject to regulatory approval.

Todwell has been involved in Turaco’s commercial growth in East Africa, working with country teams and business partners to expand the company’s distribution network and revenue.In his new role, he will focus on increasing market share, strengthening partnerships and identifying new business opportunities across Africa.

Turaco has expanded its reach through partnerships with companies including M-KOPA, Absa, ASA International, VisionFund, Opportunity Bank, Advans, Safaricom, Airtel, dfcu Bank, Moniepoint and One Acre Fund.

The partnerships allow Turaco to sell insurance through financial and digital services that customers already use, helping the company reach people who have traditionally had limited access to insurance products.

Turaco is also using artificial intelligence in areas such as customer onboarding, engagement and claims processing as it seeks to reduce the time and cost of delivering insurance services.

Its co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Ted Pantone said Todwell’s promotion would support the company’s next phase of growth.

“Cedrick’s promotion reflects both the significant contribution he has made to Turaco’s commercial growth over the past two years and our ambition for the next phase of the business,” Pantone said.

Todwell said he would focus on strengthening Turaco’s existing operations, expanding into new African markets and building partnerships that create long-term value.

Turaco won Innovation of the Year at the African Insurance Awards organised by Africa Re in June. It was also ranked 29th among Africa’s fastest-growing companies in the Financial Times’ 2026 ranking and second among Kenyan companies.

Founded in 2018, Turaco provides life, health and asset insurance through partnerships with financial institutions, fintech companies and telecommunications providers.

The company says its long-term goal is to provide insurance to one billion people globally.