Gabon's insurance market experiences significant turbulence in Q1 2026

This underperformance is attributed to the late renewal and cancellation of certain contracts. Despite this quarterly decrease, the sector's activity remains up by 7.7% year-on-year. The Non-life insurance branch was most affected, contracting by 54.9% due to non-renewal of guarantees related to "Total Transport," "Health," and "Property Damage."

In contrast, Life and Capitalization insurance grew by 8.7%, driven by strong performances in "Savings" +103% and "Mixed" +106% products. Over twelve months, the Non-life branch still shows positive momentum with a 9.4% increase in turnover, while the Life branch grew by 2%. Paid claims also decelerated by 68.1% in Q1, impacting both Non-life and Life segments.

Commissions paid to brokers fell by 59% quarterly and 40% annually, with Non-life commissions down 58.2% and Life commissions down 75%. This trend, according to the DGEPF, reflects insurance companies developing their own commercial capabilities through new sales points and digital services, thereby reducing reliance on brokerage firms. The first quarter of 2026 thus presents a mixed picture: a sharp short-term contraction, especially in Non-life, but resilience in the Life branch and overall year-on-year growth.

The challenge for Gabonese insurers is to restore commercial