This archive report was first published on 25 October 2021.
On October 25, 2021, British underwriter Prudential Plc announced its decision to relocate its Africa hub from London to Nairobi, citing the availability of ready talent and government facilitation.
According to Nick Holder, Prudential's chief operating officer for Africa, Nairobi stood out among other locations considered by the multinational.
Prudential operates in eight markets in Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, and Cameroon.
Mr. Holder attributed the choice of Nairobi to the 'availability of really talented people locally' and Kenyans' reputation for being 'very well educated.'
He also highlighted the 'tremendous links' available from Nairobi to other African markets and the recognition by the Kenyan government of the regional office's potential to recruit talent from across the continent.
Prudential, founded in London in May 1848, entered the Kenyan market after acquiring Shield Assurance in September 2014, making it the second market in Africa after Ghana.
The firm has refocused its growth strategy to double down on Africa's and Asia's operations, prompting the change in managerial structure.
The Nairobi regional hub office provides support in finance, strategy, actuarial, government relations, product development, and marketing and communications for Prudential's operations in Africa.
