Continental Reinsurance Holdings, one of Africa’s leading reinsurance groups, has relocated its Group Holding Company from Mauritius to Botswana in a strategic move aimed at strengthening its continental footprint and long-term operational resilience.
Founded in Nigeria over 40 years ago, Continental Reinsurance provides reinsurance services across more than 50 African countries. The group previously moved its holding structure to Mauritius to support international capital access and regional expansion. However, Botswana’s political stability, improving regulatory environment, and strong governance framework have now positioned it as the preferred base for the company’s next growth phase.
Group Managing Director Lawrence Nazare said the decision reflects confidence in Botswana’s business climate and institutional strength. He noted that the country offers an enabling environment for long-term investment, aligning with the group’s ambitions as a pan-African reinsurer with global reach.
The newly relocated holding company will operate separately from Continental Re’s Botswana subsidiary, which has been active in Gaborone for 11 years. The group also maintains offices in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Cameroon and Kenya, serving more than 1,000 cedants and brokers across the continent.
The relocation comes alongside a reaffirmation of the group’s financial standing. AM Best has maintained Continental Reinsurance Holdings Limited’s Financial Strength Rating at B+ (Good) with a Stable Outlook. The rating now formally applies to the Botswana-based holding company, underscoring improvements in governance, enterprise risk management and capital adequacy.
The move is expected to enhance regulatory alignment, strengthen investor confidence and support Continental Re’s strategy of building a resilient, Africa-centred reinsurance platform.
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