AXA Global Healthcare Announces Landmark Strategic Collaborations to Drive Expansion in Africa with Old Mutual and Executive Healthcare Solutions

International private medical insurance growth in Kenya East Africa

AXA Global Healthcare has announced a major expansion across Africa through two landmark strategic collaborations. The company is partnering with Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya for local underwriting and has established an exclusive distribution agreement with Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS). This dual-pronged strategy is designed to significantly enhance international private medical insurance (IPMI) offerings and drive substantial growth throughout the region.

This dual-partnership model is the cornerstone of AXA Global Healthcare’s blueprint for sustainable growth in key emerging markets and a clear demonstration of its enduring commitment to the African continent. Partnering with established and trusted local leaders is a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable presence, deliver meaningful value to customers, and foster strong ties within local markets.

Karim Idilby, Chief Growth Officer at AXA Health International, underscores the strategic significance of the Old Mutual partnership for key growth segments. “Collaborating with Old Mutual represents a major milestone in our global growth strategy – and more importantly, in our long-term commitment to Africa. Old Mutual's leadership position in Kenya and Africa   makes them an ideal partner, particularly as we focus on the Individuals and SMEs strategic growth segments. Working with such a trusted market leader means we can deliver meaningful value to customers while building ties in local markets.”

The partnership with Old Mutual provides customers with a superior offering that merges AXA's global standards with deep local market leadership. For business incepting 1 October 2025, all AXA Global Healthcare policies in Kenya will be underwritten locally by Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya. This ensures clients receive internationally recognized health coverage that is also fully compliant with local regulations, delivered with the assurance of a trusted regional insurer.

Japheth Ogalloh, Managing Director of Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya, highlighted the shared vision behind the collaboration. “We’re excited to collaborate with AXA Global Healthcare to bring trusted local underwriting together with world-class international health coverage. This collaboration means we can bring high-quality solutions that truly meet the evolving needs of individuals and businesses across Kenya.”

With a compliant local underwriting foundation secured, AXA Global Healthcare is poised to accelerate market penetration through a targeted regional distribution strategy.

The exclusive distribution agreement with Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS) serves as the engine for market penetration and customer acquisition across the continent. The agreement includes a renewal-based transfer of EHS’s existing individual and SME customer portfolio, effective 1 August 2025, and establishes a joint commitment to attract new clients across key African markets.

To provide immediate continuity of care and enhanced benefits, AXA Global Healthcare has developed the Global Executive Health Plan (GEHP). This new product, designed for both global and regional cover, ensures a smooth transition by closely matching existing customer benefits. EHS will serve as the sole distributor for this innovative new plan.

Andy O'Cain, Global Head of Distribution at AXA Health International, explained the company’s market ambition. “Following our successful partnership with Daman Insurance, the unrivalled market leader in domestic health insurance in the UAE – the world's second largest international health insurance market – we continue building relationships with market leaders. EHS's deep regional expertise and extensive network, combined with AXA's global strength, mean we are uniquely placed to deliver for both existing and new customers.”

Aly Maherali, CEO at Executive Healthcare Solutions, emphasized the value this partnership brings to clients on the ground. "Our deep understanding of the African market means we know what clients truly need from their international health cover. By collaborating exclusively with AXA Global Healthcare, we’re able to offer solutions supported by a trusted global brand - giving our clients confidence and peace of mind as they navigate today’s complex healthcare landscape."

“It is through collaborations such as this, that we are able to fully realise our vision of reimagining Global Healthcare in Africa. Having operated in Sub-Saharan Africa for over 25 years, we understand the market, and we are committed to meeting the needs of all our clients through efficient and customer centric service”

This strategic expansion in Africa is the latest execution of AXA Global Healthcare's proven playbook for market entry. It is a direct continuation of a successful global strategy of partnering with established market leaders in key growth regions, as recently demonstrated by the company’s expansion in the UAE. This move reinforces AXA's sustained momentum in its mission to deliver world-class health coverage to customers around the globe.

About AXA Global Healthcare

AXA Global Healthcare provides high-quality international private medical insurance solutions to customers worldwide, backed by the strength and reputation of the global AXA brand.

About Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya

Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya is a leading health insurer in East Africa, known for its trusted local market expertise and commitment to providing relevant, high-quality solutions.

About Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS) Limited

Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS) is a leading local broker specializing in international health coverage, with over 25 years of experience operating in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company possesses deep regional expertise and an extensive network.