Allianz : a responsible global company with a local footprint

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of Allianz’s priorities. In fact, the group pays particular attention to social, environmental and economic concerns in its development strategy.

The Group has been present in Africa for over 120 years, going beyond the confines of its core profession of insurance.

Its responsibility as a local economic player in 13 countries in Africa has naturally led it to undertake a set of actions for a number of years as part of its social commitment, in line with the Group’s policy and initiatives.

For Allianz, to be socially responsible is firstly to be committed to its clients, employees and community.

Facilitating the financial inclusion of populations, fighting against handicaps, diseases and poverty, and promoting education for the poorest are all key areas of commitment for Allianz on the continent.

“Climate change and economic instability are amongst the biggest challenges we will face in the coming decades. We have no time to waste. It’s not a question of getting the wheels turning, but rather how fast we can drive the change...When we meet our stakeholders’ expectations, we are also meeting those of our own: to work together to reach a more sustainable future.”

Oliver BÄTE, Group CEO at Allianz SE

Learn more about the Allianz Group’s sustainable development strategy

View the “Allianz Sustainability Report 2020”

The pillars of Allianz’s social commitment in Africa

Governance and ethics

Allianz Africa will not insure companies manufacturing prohibited weapons or entities that do not respect basic rights (child labour, money laundering, etc.) and more generally, all activities likely to damage its reputation. This year, the Allianz Group significantly strengthened its climate protection strategy and announced its intention to actively support the global transition to a low-carbon economy in the coming decades. Allianz is one of the first insurance companies to have set long-term climate goals based on the need to limit the rise in global average temperature to 2°C as defined in the Paris Climate Agreement.

By 2040, Allianz will gradually eliminate all proprietary investment in coal companies as well as its insurance policies covering the risks associated with coal. In addition, the group will reduce the carbon footprint of its operations notably by increasing the share of renewable energies in the electricity it consumes.

Mobile insurance

In partnership with major telephone operators, Allianz Africa has decided since 2012 to promote digital solutions that allow the greatest number access to insurance through the provision of applications on mobile phones.

Micro-insurance

Allianz Africa has been offering micro-insurance services for ten years to people previously excluded from financial services. It works in partnership with micro-finance institutions to compensate borrowers in the event of death or disability in Senegal, Madagascar and the Ivory Coast or to protect farmers against the risk of drought in Mali and Burkina Faso.

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Prevention

Several subsidiaries of Allianz Africa have initiated concrete road safety actions. In Ivory Coast, Allianz has teamed up with OSER, the road safety office, for a major TV campaign on the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. In Congo and Ghana, Allianz distributes, as part of its motor insurance campaigns, first aid kits and breathalysers. In Burkina Faso, Allianz has equipped the 1,000 young volunteers who control traffic with yellow vests and glow sticks.

Engaging with employees

On the African continent, people are still very vulnerable to serious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, malaria, etc. In 2008, Allianz Africa joined the Association Entreprises et Santé to offer all subsidiary employees and their families information on and prevention of the most serious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS. Every year, Allianz Africa's subsidiaries, in particular as part of World AIDS Day on December 1st, carry out anonymous blood tests, blood donations, information sessions presented by experts on risky practices, on means of protection, etc.

More generally, Allianz Africa is committed to systematically fighting against any exclusion within its subsidiaries.

Did you know?

With more than 500,000 micro-insured, Allianz Africa is definitively part of a long-term approach to support the development of local economies. In 2000, Allianz Africa introduced a Code of Ethics that describes the ethical principles and values that it undertakes to respect with its employees. In 2013, Allianz Africa deployed an ethical approach focused on client satisfaction and protection.