Jihan Abass: Pioneering Inclusive Financial Services in Africa

Picture this: A young commodity trader in London’s bustling financial district spots a game-changing opportunity back home in Africa. Instead of chasing profits in the global markets, she decides to tackle a challenge that affects millions – the lack of accessible insurance. This is the story of Jihan Abass, the dynamic founder of Lami, who’s turning the traditionally stuffy insurance industry on its head!

From Trading Floor to Tech Innovation

Born under the Kenyan sun, Jihan’s journey is anything but ordinary. Armed with an economics degree and a sharp mind for numbers, she cut her teeth in London’s fast-paced commodity trading world. But something kept nagging at her – while Londoners could insure everything from their smartphones to their pet goldfish, millions of Africans couldn’t access basic insurance coverage.

The Lightbulb Moment 

In 2018, Jihan Abass did something that would make most people think twice: she traded her cushy London job for an entrepreneurial rollercoaster. Her mission? Transform insurance from a luxury into a necessity for everyday Africans. Enter Lami—a digital insurance platform that’s as innovative as its founder!

Making Insurance Sexy (Yes, Really!)

Lami isn’t just another insurance company – it’s insurance for the digital age. Through clever API technology, they’ve made insurance as easy to buy as ordering your favorite takeout. Whether shopping online or using a fintech app, Lami’s technology seamlessly integrates insurance options that won’t break the bank.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling (and Then Some)

Being a young African woman in the tech world is like playing a video game on hard mode, but Jihan’s crushing it! Her achievements have turned heads globally:

• Snagged a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa
• Featured among Financial Times’ Top Women Entrepreneurs in Africa
• Built a platform reaching over a million users (and counting!)

The Numbers Game 

Under Jihan’s leadership, Lami has:

• Secured major funding from investors who believe in the dream
• Protected over a million individuals across Africa
• created a ripple effect of financial stability for countless families

What’s Next on the Horizon?

Jihan’s not just building a company – she’s engineering a financial revolution! Her vision extends beyond profits to a future where every African has access to the safety net they deserve. With Lami’s continuous expansion into new markets, she’s proving that social impact and business success can go hand in hand.

The Takeaway

In a world of endless startup stories, Jihan Abass stands out as a testament to what happens when purpose meets innovation. She’s not just disrupting an industry; she’s democratizing financial security for millions. Now that’s what we call making insurance cool! 

Through Lami, Jihan Abass isn’t just writing code – she’s coding a better future for Africa. And if her track record is anything to go by, this is just the beginning of an incredible journey reshaping the continent’s financial landscape.