AXA Global Healthcare Partners with Old Mutual to Strengthen African Market Presence

AXA Global Healthcare has forged a strategic partnership with Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya Limited, signaling a long-term commitment to the African region. The collaboration, complemented by an exclusive distribution agreement with Executive Healthcare Solutions Limited (EHS), sets the stage for accelerated growth in the international private medical insurance (IPMI) market.

From 1 October 2025, all AXA Global Healthcare policies in Kenya will be underwritten locally by Old Mutual. The partnership combines AXA’s global standards with Old Mutual’s local expertise, ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality service for clients.

Karim Idilby, Chief Growth Officer at AXA Health International, said: “This partnership with Old Mutual marks a major milestone in our global growth strategy. Their leadership in Kenya and across Africa makes them an ideal partner as we focus on Individuals and SMEs. Together, we can deliver meaningful value while strengthening local market ties.”

Japheth Ogalloh, Managing Director at Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya, added: “Our collaboration with AXA brings together trusted local underwriting and world-class international healthcare. This allows us to provide solutions that meet the evolving needs of individuals and businesses in Kenya.”

The partnership was showcased during the launch of the Executive Global Health Plan, attended by Old Mutual Group CEO Arthur Oginga, M.I.C Global Risk & EHS Chairman Shiraz Maherali, EHS CEO Aly Maherali, AXA Chief Growth Officer Karim Idilby, and Old Mutual Managing Director Japheth Ogalloh. The plan aims to redefine premium healthcare access, offering globally supported yet locally delivered solutions.

In a parallel move, AXA has entered an exclusive distribution collaboration with EHS, including the renewal-based transfer of EHS’s existing IPMI customer portfolio across multiple African countries effective 1 August 2025. The partnership also targets new individual and SME clients in selected markets.

EHS will act as the sole distributor for the new Global Executive Health Plan (GEHP), ensuring continuity of benefits while offering comprehensive global and regional coverage.

Andy O’Cain, Global Head of Distribution at AXA Health International, noted: “We aim to become the leading IPMI provider in East Africa. By combining EHS’s deep regional expertise with AXA’s global strength, we are uniquely positioned to deliver for both existing and new clients.”

EHS CEO Aly Maherali added: “Partnering exclusively with AXA allows us to provide trusted, globally backed solutions that address the real needs of African clients. This is a key step toward reimagining international healthcare in the region.”

This announcement follows AXA Global Healthcare’s recent expansion in the UAE and reflects its broader strategy to strengthen its presence in high-potential international markets.