Kigali, Rwanda – The recent graduation ceremony in Kigali marked a significant milestone for the Insurance Training College (ITC), bringing together industry leaders to celebrate new professionals while charting the strategic direction for years to come. The event served as a powerful reminder that in the world of risk and underwriting, the pursuit of knowledge remains a continuous and borderless.
At the graduation ceremony, ITC officially launched its 2026 training schedule, with the COP programme commencing on 14th March, 20th June, and 26th September 2026. These sessions represent critical gateways for Rwandan practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise, advance their careers, and contribute to a more resilient and professional industry.
The Currency of the Industry: Trust and Judgment
The podium in Rwanda featured voices that articulated the very essence of ITC's mission. Andrew Kulayige, President of the Insurers’ Association in Rwanda (ASSAR), framed the industry's foundational principle with striking clarity. He told graduates that trust remains the actual currency of the insurance business, observing that without it, even the most profound technical expertise struggles to find a market. This sentiment highlights ITC's fundamental philosophy: the institution isn't just about training technicians, but about developing trusted advisors.
This perspective was powerfully echoed by Mendies Mhiribidi ACII, President of the Rwanda Insurance Brokers Association (RIBA), who emphasised that professional training serves as the catalyst for sound judgment. She reminded attendees that in insurance, judgment is everything. In a world of complex risks and evolving client needs, she noted, the ability to analyse, discern, and advise separates good practitioners from great ones. ITC's curricula are meticulously designed to forge this very capability.
A Partnership for Access: Lowering the Barriers to Ambition
A landmark achievement celebrated at the event was the growing strength of collaboration between ITC and local institutions. Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka, Principal of MAT ABACUS Business School - Rwanda, articulated a shared vision, expressing gratitude for ITC's commitment to decentralizing training.
These partnerships made the training and graduation a reality and exemplified the strength of teamwork. They represent a strategic alliance that brings world-class insurance education directly to Rwandan professionals, fostering a local ecosystem of expertise to support the nation's rapid economic development.
Speakers noted that as regulatory and risk environments shift at an unprecedented pace, standing still equates to falling behind. This partnership model was presented as the collective engine for progress.
A Ladder for Every Professional
The theme of continuous development was passionately championed by Saul Sseremba, who outlined the diverse training and growth options available to professionals in Rwanda. He explained that ITC's portfolio functions as a structured ladder, offering clear pathways for every stage of a career:
- For those taking their first steps, entry-level programmes build solid foundations.
- For seasoned professionals, specialized courses sharpen competitive edges.
- For senior executives, strategic programmes provide insights needed to navigate market disruption and lead with vision.
This holistic approach, speakers agreed, ensures that the industry is not merely filling gaps but building a deep bench of talent, ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges.
Leading by Example: The Prime Insurance Impact
A moment of profound appreciation was reserved for Prime Insurance Limited, which received heartfelt thanks from all speakers, including ITC Board Chairman, Dr Abdul Hafiz Walusimbi. Prime Insurance was recognised for setting a powerful precedent by becoming the first insurance company to send over 20 students for the COP (Certificate of Proficiency) course conducted by ITC.
Speakers characterised this act of leadership as sending a clear message to the market: investing in human capital is the most strategic investment an organisation can make. By prioritising professional certification for their team, Prime Insurance was commended not only for strengthening their own firm but for elevating the standards of the entire Rwandan insurance sector. ITC encouraged other firms to follow this admirable example.
Your Next Step in a Transformative Journey
The graduation in Kigali was celebrated as both a recognition of milestones reached and a launchpad for the journeys ahead.
Speakers emphasized that the insurance professional of tomorrow must be agile, ethical, and profoundly knowledgeable.
First ITC Graduation in Rwanda