Association/Company: CARD Mutual Benefit Association, Inc.
Country: Philippines
In January 2025, Zachary Wambugu Kamunu (CIC Malawi), Michael Mugo (CIC Kenya), James Philbert Chilaya (CIC Malawi), and Sammy Kiplimo (CIC Kenya) participated in a week-long exposure visit to CARD MBA in the Philippines as part of the UNDP ICMIF Insurance Innovation Challenge (IIC) Technical Assistance Programme. The visit aimed to enhance CIC’s microinsurance strategies by learning from CARD MBA’s successful mutual microinsurance model.
Who was the assignment for?
The assignment was conducted for CIC Kenya and CIC Malawi as part of the UNDP ICMIF Insurance Innovation Challenge (IIC) Technical Assistance Programme. The aim was to help CIC enhance their microinsurance strategies and scale their mutual insurance solutions for low-income populations, with insights drawn from CARD MBA's mutual microinsurance model in the Philippines.
What was the assignment?
The purpose of the assignment was to provide CIC delegates with practical exposure to CARD MBA’s operational model, focusing on product customisation, governance, operational efficiency, and innovative distribution strategies.
How did it work?
The week-long exposure visit took place from 6th to 10th January 2025 in the Philippines. Delegates attended sessions and field visits organised by CARD MBA, including discussions on governance, product design, and claims processing. Activities included centre and branch visits, interviews with members and account officers, and insights into CARD MBA’s collaborations with partners such as MiMAP (RIMANSI).
What has been the impact of the assignment so far?
The visit provided transformative insights into tailoring products to community needs, leveraging technology, and addressing operational challenges. CIC has already identified how to implement enhancements, such as broadening their target market to include MFIs, restructuring distribution strategies, and integrating mobile digital tools for operational efficiency. These changes are expected to drive sustainable growth and improve the scalability of CIC’s microinsurance programmes in Africa.
About CARD MBA: CARD Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (CARD MBA) is a leading microinsurance provider in the Philippines, serving members of CARD Bank and CARD, Inc. as part of the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (MRI). Established in 1999, it provides affordable microinsurance products for marginalized communities. As a member-owned organization, CARD MBA prioritizes member-led governance and streamlined operations, ensuring fast claims processing and efficient on-the-ground service. This has made it a recognized pioneer in microinsurance both in the Philippines and globally.
Photo (left to right): Sammy Kiplimo (Assistant Manager – Business Development Officer, Microinsurance, CIC Kenya) in blue, seated to the left of Zachary Wambugu Kamunu (Managing Director, CIC Malawi) in white. Behind them, James Philbert Chilaya (Microinsurance Officer, CIC Malawi) in blue, while Michael Mugo (Principal Officer, CIC Microinsurance Company) in blue sits across from Zachary during a centre visit as part of the Technical Assistance programme.
“This visit has provided profound insights into how simplicity in product development, leadership, and feedback-driven innovation can transform microinsurance. CARD MBA’s teamwork culture and strong alignment of mission and values demonstrate the immense power of collaboration and shared purpose. These lessons will be instrumental in enhancing our microinsurance strategies to better serve communities in Malawi and Kenya.”
Zachary Wambugu, Managing Director, CIC Malawi
“CARD MBA is proud to provide technical assistance to organizations facing similar microinsurance challenges. Hosting the CIC Kenya and Malawi teams reinforced the importance of collaboration and learning among organizations operating in similar contexts. It allowed us to share insights on enhancing operations, designing simple, affordable and accessible products, and effectively engaging members. Through this exchange, we strengthened our shared commitment to expanding financial protection for underserved communities.”
Jocelyn Dequito, CEO, CARD MBA