Our recent mission to Sierra Leone was undertaken through an invitation by the International Insurance Company (IIC), a visionary local insurer that is championing agricultural insurance in the country. The delegation from IIC was led by Dr. Nduka Anyaso, the company’s CEO and Managing Director, whose leadership and commitment to inclusive insurance are helping shape a more resilient future for Sierra Leone’s farming communities.
During the visit, ACRE Africa represented by Farid Wangara, the Chief Insurance & Principal Officer and Kambi Kaingu the Actuarial Officer engaged with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Hon. Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka. Consultative discussions also brought together farmer organizations, financial institutions, and development partners to explore how index-based insurance can strengthen the national agenda for food security and agricultural transformation.
Figure 1: ACRE team in discussions with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture led by Hon. Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka and partners from IIC Insurance
Despite employing over 60% of the population, Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector remains highly vulnerable. Over 80% of the rice consumed is imported, even though rice is a staple crop widely grown across the country. Farmers often lack access to credit and risk protection, making it difficult to invest in inputs or recover from climate shocks. For many, one failed season can mean sliding deeper into poverty.
Through field visits to farming communities, ACRE Africa and IIC Insurance gathered first-hand insights on local challenges and opportunities. These learnings will inform the design of tailored parametric insurance products suited to the country’s unique agro-ecological zones. Our approach combines satellite data, mobile technology, and crop monitoring systems to deliver fast, transparent, and efficient payouts, unlocking financial inclusion and reducing systemic risk for lenders and farmers alike.
Figures: A visit to rice farms in Sierra Leone – Comprehensive field survey and farmer consultations
Our Proven Track Record
With over a decade of experience delivering parametric insurance to over 6 million smallholder farmers across East and Southern Africa, ACRE Africa brings a proven model, innovative digital infrastructure, and deep understanding of what it takes to scale climate-smart solutions.
Together with IIC Insurance and the national stakeholders, we aim to co-create insurance offerings that align with Sierra Leone’s programs such as the Feed Salone Initiative and the Agriculture Credit Facility.
Insurance is more than a safety net, it’s a foundation for resilience, investment, and increased production. We are proud to work alongside IIC Insurance and the Government of Sierra Leone to build a future where farmers are protected, empowered, and the agricultural economy is secure.
