Turaco promotes Cedrick Todwell to Africa commercial chief as expansion continues

Todwell, who joined Turaco in 2024, assumed the new role on October 1 and will oversee commercial strategy, revenue growth, partnerships and market expansion across Africa.

His appointment comes as Turaco says it has reached more than eight million people through partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, telecommunications companies and other distributors.

The company currently operates in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania, with plans to explore expansion into Rwanda. In 2026, it entered Pakistan as part of its expansion into Asia.

Turaco has licensed insurance operations in Kenya and Uganda and holds a microinsurance underwriting licence in Nigeria. The company plans to enter two additional African underwriting markets by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals.

Todwell has played a role in Turaco's commercial expansion in East Africa, working with country teams and distribution partners to grow its customer base and revenue.

In his new position, he will focus on expanding the company's market share, strengthening partnerships and identifying new business opportunities across Africa.

Turaco distributes insurance through partnerships with companies including M-KOPA, Absa, ASA International, VisionFund, Opportunity Bank, Advans, Safaricom, Airtel, dfcu Bank, Moniepoint and One Acre Fund.

The partnerships enable customers to access insurance through financial and digital services they already use, with Turaco targeting people who have traditionally had limited access to formal insurance products.

The company is also applying artificial intelligence in areas such as customer onboarding, engagement and claims processing as it seeks to lower the cost and time required to deliver insurance services.

Turaco co-founder and chief executive Ted Pantone said Todwell's promotion would support the company's expansion plans.

“Cedrick's promotion reflects both the significant contribution he has made to Turaco's commercial growth over the past two years and our ambition for the next phase of the business,” Pantone said.

Todwell said his priorities would include strengthening existing operations, expanding into new African markets and developing partnerships focused on long-term growth.

Turaco was named Innovation of the Year at the African Insurance Awards organised by Africa Re in June. It was also ranked 29th in the Financial Times' 2026 list of Africa's fastest-growing companies, and second among Kenyan companies.

Founded in 2018, Turaco provides life, health and asset insurance through partnerships with financial institutions, fintech companies and telecommunications providers. The company says it aims to provide insurance coverage to one billion people globally.