IMT 4.0: Shaping the Future of Insurtech in West Africa with Per Lagerström as Keynote
West Africa’s insurance landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by the rapid integration of technology and innovative solutions. At the forefront of this evolution is Insurance Meets Tech (IMT), a premier conference series dedicated to fostering collaboration and exploring the convergence of insurance and technology sectors. The fourth edition, IMT 4.0, is eagerly anticipated, scheduled for September 11, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. This year’s event promises to be a pivotal moment for stakeholders across the financial, tech, and creative industries, setting the stage for the future of insurtech in the region.
With the inspiring theme “Innovating for the New Trybe,” IMT 4.0 seeks to redefine the boundaries of insurance by exploring its intersection with digital innovation, modern lifestyles, and the burgeoning African economy. The conference will once again adopt a powerful dual-experience format, comprising the flagship IMT 4.0 discourse, a platform for C-suite executives and policymakers, and IMT Redefined 2.0, a youth-focused segment designed to explore the convergence of insurance, culture, and innovation. These two tracks ensure a comprehensive and inclusive discussion, catering to both seasoned professionals and the next generation of industry leaders.
The announcement of Per Lagerström, a globally recognized thought leader, as the headline speaker has generated considerable excitement within the West African insurtech community. His extensive experience and innovative approach to problem-solving make him an ideal voice to guide conversations at IMT 4.0. Lagerström’s presence underscores the conference’s commitment to bringing world-class expertise to the region and facilitating meaningful dialogue on the future of insurance.
Per Lagerström: A Visionary at the Intersection of Behavioural Science and Technology
Per Lagerström brings to IMT 4.0 over three decades of experience spanning financial services, technology, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and strategic consulting. As a former Partner at McKinsey & Company, he has advised leading organizations across diverse industries, gaining invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by technological disruption. Lagerström’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found BehaviorTech, a groundbreaking field that leverages behavioural science, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation to drive positive change for individuals, businesses, and society.
His current role as CEO of Yellowspot, a venture studio based in Ireland, sees him leading the development of disruptive ventures focused on financial planning, education, longevity, and human-centred digital transformation. This focus aligns perfectly with the goals of IMT 4.0, which seeks to empower Africans with access to innovative insurance solutions that cater to their specific needs. Lagerström’s expertise in navigating complex situations with clarity and providing strategic guidance to boards and executives across Europe, Africa, and the Americas makes him a highly sought-after speaker and advisor.
Lagerström’s commitment to unlocking potential at the nexus of science, technology, and human insight is particularly relevant to the African context. With a young and rapidly growing population, Africa presents a unique opportunity to develop insurance solutions that are tailored to the needs and aspirations of its citizens. By leveraging behavioural science and AI, it is possible to create personalized and engaging insurance products that promote financial inclusion and resilience.
The Power of Behavioural Insights for Insurtech in Africa
The integration of behavioural science into insurtech holds immense potential for driving positive change in Africa. Traditional insurance products often fail to resonate with consumers due to a lack of understanding, mistrust, or perceived lack of value. By applying behavioural insights, insurers can design products and services that are more intuitive, engaging, and relevant to the specific needs and preferences of their target audiences.
For example, studies have shown that framing insurance as a way to protect loved ones or achieve financial goals can be more effective than simply highlighting the potential risks of not having coverage. Similarly, using gamification and rewards programs can incentivize responsible financial behaviour and encourage greater uptake of insurance products. In the African context, where trust is often a major barrier to adoption, leveraging social proof and community-based approaches can be particularly effective.
Furthermore, the use of AI can enable insurers to personalize their offerings based on individual risk profiles and behavioural patterns. By analyzing data from various sources, insurers can identify potential risks and offer tailored solutions that address specific needs. This can lead to more efficient and effective risk management, as well as improved customer engagement and loyalty. The focus on ‘nudge’ techniques, subtly influencing choices for better outcomes, is proving invaluable in increasing insurance uptake across various demographics.
IMT 4.0: A Catalyst for Innovation and Collaboration
IMT 4.0 is more than just a conference; it is a catalyst for innovation and collaboration within the West African insurtech ecosystem. By bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including insurers, technology providers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, the event fosters meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing. This creates a fertile ground for new ideas and partnerships to emerge, driving the development of innovative solutions that address the specific challenges and opportunities facing the region.
The dual-experience format of IMT 4.0 ensures that the conference caters to a wide range of interests and perspectives. The flagship IMT 4.0 discourse provides a platform for C-suite executives and policymakers to discuss strategic issues and shape the future direction of the industry. IMT Redefined 2.0, on the other hand, focuses on engaging the next generation of leaders and exploring the intersection of insurance, culture, and innovation. This holistic approach ensures that IMT 4.0 is relevant to all stakeholders and contributes to the long-term sustainable growth of the West African insurtech ecosystem.
Odion Aleobua, Convener of IMT and CEO of Modion Communications, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “We are incredibly honoured to welcome Per Lagerström to Lagos, Nigeria for IMT 4.0. His experience at the cutting edge of behaviour-tech research aligns perfectly with our mission to drive innovation and empower Africans with access to world-class insurance solutions.” IMT 4.0 promises to be a landmark event, shaping the future of insurtech in West Africa and beyond.
IMT 4.0, with the addition of keynote speaker Per Lagerström, is primed to be a transformative event, furthering the development and adoption of technology within the insurance sector. The focus on behavioural science, AI, and human-centered digital transformation offers a fresh perspective on how to make insurance more accessible and beneficial for all Africans. The conference will undoubtedly serve as a pivotal moment for stakeholders, driving innovation and shaping the future of insurtech in the region.
Keywords
Related Keywords: IMT 40, Per Lagerström, McKinsey, Industry 40, digital transformation, manufacturing technology, IMT 2025, technology innovation, smart manufacturing, industrial IoT