By: Pravin (PK) Kalpagé, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hollard International

Hollard International (HINT), Hollard Group Insurance’s international business has taken a bold step forward in its Africa growth strategy with the successful completion of two major acquisitions – one with Global Alliance Seguros in Mozambique and another with Absa Life Botswana.

In Mozambique, Hollard Moçambique Seguros has acquired 100% of the shareholding in Global Alliance Seguros, S.A., marking a significant milestone in its 24-year presence in the country. The integration of Global Alliance Seguros is aimed at strengthening Hollard’s ability to support high-growth sectors such as energy, infrastructure, mining, and agriculture, which are key drivers of Mozambique’s economic development.

This move is set to significantly strengthen Hollard's portfolio and diversify its existing expertise for the business to better serve businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to individual policyholders and large corporations.

Over the next 18 months, Hollard will fully integrate Global Alliance Seguros into its operations, aligning leadership, systems, and service platforms to ensure continuity and a superior customer experience.

In Botswana, Hollard International has completed the acquisition of Absa Life Botswana, bringing 100% of Absa Group’s shareholding in the life insurance business of Botswana into Hollard’s fold. This move aligns with Hollard’s Africa expansion strategy to build scale, strengthen partnerships, and provide greater value in markets where insurance penetration remains low, but potential is high.

Both transactions form part of a broader deal with Absa Group, which includes the acquisition of Absa’s insurance businesses in Mozambique and Botswana– with general insurance operations in Mozambique trading under the Global Alliance brand.

Pravin (PK) Kalpagé, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hollard International says, “Africa offers immense growth potential for insurers, driven by the rapid expansion of its economies and a vibrant, youthful population. These acquisitions will enable us to expand our offering across the continent to meet the diverse market needs, scale impact, and empower more people to create and secure better futures. This aligns with our vision to deepen our footprint across the continent and serve a broader, more diverse customer base.”

“The acquisitions form a core pillar of our long-term growth strategy and expansion plans into the continent. Central to this strategy is our commitment to understanding the distinct social dynamics of each market to deliver insurance solutions that respond to real community needs,” said Kalpagé.

“Our vision is to leverage the strengths of the businesses we have acquired to unlock long-term value for customers, partners, and the communities we serve. The move supports four strategic pillars: market expansion, enhanced customer service, product innovation, and operational efficiency.

“These are more than just commercial transactions – but strategic and values-driven investments into the continent’s insurance sector,” commented Kalpagé.

“These acquisitions in Southern Africa and partnerships in East Africa and other parts of Africa are a deliberate and sustained strategy to build a connected pan-African insurer. We want to continue in our efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking insurance ecosystem that contributes to Africa’s economic and social development,” notes Kalpagé.

Over the past 24 months, Hollard International has taken bold steps to expand across the continent, having recently partnered with East Africa’s APA Insurance, a leading insurance company in Kenya. Hollard currently operates in eight African countries.

As Hollard continues to grow its African footprint, its strategy is anchored in building strategic partnerships to expand access to insurance and financial services for individuals, SMEs and corporates, and in leveraging technology to drive innovation in underwriting, servicing and claims.