Editors urged to promote insurance awareness
DODOMA: MEDIA editors have been called upon to play a more active role in strengthening public understanding of insurance as Tanzania’s insurance sector continues to expand and modernise.
Opening a training session on insurance education for editors in Dodoma yesterday, Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Baghayo Saqware, said the insurance sector remains central to the national economy, and quality public education is key to increasing uptake of insurance products.
“As media houses, you have a significant role in informing, educating, and stimulating debate on social and economic matters in the country,” he said.
Dr Saqware urged editors to enhance their reporting capacity on insurance issues, emphasising that TIRA is ready to collaborate with media institutions by offering training and providing accurate, up-to-date information. He encouraged newsrooms to accord greater prominence to insurance-related stories.
“These are matters that affect all citizens—from smallscale traders to major investors,” he stressed.
He further appealed to editors to help expose insurance fraud by following up on related court cases, noting that such reporting would reinforce public trust and sector accountability.
Dr Saqware also advised journalists to make effective use of the insurance market reports, describing them as valuable analytical tool that can strengthen data-driven journalism and enrich public discourse.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the insurance sector and the media, noting that journalists reach diverse audiences through newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms.
According to him, Tanzania now hosts more than 40 insurance companies as well as agents, brokers and other service providers offering products tailored to the needs of citizens. Despite this progress, he said, many Tanzanians still lack adequate understanding of the importance and benefits of insurance.
“For a long time, inaccurate beliefs have persisted— such as insurance being only for the wealthy, delays in compensation, or claims being too costly. Through accurate reporting, we can change these perceptions,” he said.
He added that journalists have the ability to shape public demand for insurance while supporting TIRA in advancing transparency and accountability within the sector.
“Through responsible reporting, the media promotes openness and accountability among insurance companies, service providers and regulators,” he noted.
Dr Saqware said insurance remains a critical pillar for investment, entrepreneurship and the protection of citizens from various risks, including fire, accidents, natural disasters and disease
He added that major national projects such as energy, rail, road and industrial investments rely heavily on solid insurance arrangements to safeguard lives and public assets.
On agriculture, he emphasised the growing importance of agricultural insurance in helping farmers reduce losses linked to climate change, thereby contributing to national food security.
Tanzania Insurance Ombudsman, Ms Margareth Mngumi, said the training marked the beginning of stronger collaboration between the Ombudsman’s office and media practitioners.
“The Tanzania Insurance Ombudsman recognises the powerful influence you hold, and we hope today marks the beginning of a new chapter aimed at improving the environment for resolving insurance disputes for the benefit of Tanzanians,” she said.
