Turaco has promoted Cedrick Todwell to Chief Commercial Officer, Africa, effective October 1, as the microinsurance company intensifies its expansion across the continent and Asia. Todwell, who joined the company in 2024, will lead commercial strategy, revenue growth, and market expansion efforts. The appointment aligns with Turaco’s goal of reaching one billion people globally, following its success in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, and Tanzania, with planned expansion into Rwanda. The firm also entered Pakistan in 2026 as part of its Asia strategy, while pursuing underwriting licenses in two additional African markets by year-end, pending regulatory approvals.
Todwell’s new role emphasizes strengthening partnerships and driving market share growth across Africa. His prior work in East Africa involved collaborating with country teams and partners to expand distribution networks and revenue streams. Turaco’s commercial expansion has been fueled by alliances with firms such as M-KOPA, Safaricom, Airtel, and One Acre Fund, enabling insurance distribution through existing financial and digital platforms. The company leverages artificial intelligence in customer onboarding, engagement, and claims processing to reduce costs and improve service delivery, targeting underserved populations with limited insurance access.
Turaco’s growth has been recognized through awards, including the Innovation of the Year honor at the African Insurance Awards in June 2026. It also ranked 29th among Africa’s fastest-growing companies in the Financial Times’ 2026 listing and second in Kenya. CEO Ted Pantone highlighted Todwell’s promotion as critical to accelerating growth and reinforcing operations in existing and emerging markets. Todwell stated his focus would be on expanding across Africa, strengthening partnerships, and creating long-term value. The company, founded in 2018, operates with licensed insurance activities in Kenya and Uganda, alongside a microinsurance underwriting license in Nigeria.
Turaco’s strategy underscores its mission to democratize insurance access through embedded partnerships and technology. With eight million people reached via collaborations with banks, microfinance institutions, and telecoms, the firm aims to scale its impact while navigating regulatory landscapes in new markets. Its dual focus on Africa and Asia reflects a broader vision to address systemic gaps in insurance coverage for low-income populations, leveraging innovation to enhance affordability and accessibility.