Bupa Global, a provider of international private medical insurance (IPMI), has opened its first office in Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya. As East Africa’s largest economy, Kenya has been identified as a key growth market in Bupa Global’s IPMI strategy. The country has seen consistent GDP growth in recent years and aims to achieve middle-income status by 2030. Additionally, Kenya’s health insurance market is expected to nearly double in size, growing from US$1.42 billion in 2022 to $2.77 billion in the coming years.

The new office will employ a local team and non-executive directors. Leadership will be spearheaded by a new CEO and Principal Officer, Uditha Jayaratne.

Bupa’s expansion reflects broader trends across Sub-Saharan Africa, with earlier predictions identifying it as a leading area of IPMI growth, projected at around 14–15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) by 2025.

Anthony Cabrelli, Managing Director of Bupa Global, commented: “Kenya is a crucial market for us and a gateway to the incredible opportunities we see across Africa. With a local office and continued investments in digital capabilities, we’re creating an ecosystem that makes world-class healthcare more accessible across the region.”

The Kenyan government’s Vision 2030 plan, which prioritises access to quality healthcare, provides an ideal environment for Bupa Global’s services. The recent enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, mandating health coverage for all citizens, underscores the growing demand for comprehensive and accessible healthcare solutions.

Bupa’s Nairobi office will help meet this demand by using innovative new digital tools and offering a range of international health insurance plans designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, individuals, expatriates and corporates.

Bupa Global and Doha Insurance Group recently entered a strategic partnership to offer IPMI products and solutions in the Qatari market.