Maurice Digbeu Kipré, a towering figure in West African insurance, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Abidjan at the age of 75. As the founder and CEO of Serenity, an Ivorian insurance powerhouse, his legacy reshaped the industry across the region.
Kipré’s journey began with rigorous academic training in Côte d’Ivoire and the United States. His professional ascent started in 1979 when he joined the global giant American International Group (AIG), where he honed his expertise in risk management and financial protection.
By 1988, his leadership caught the attention of Ivorian authorities, leading to his appointment as Director of Insurance within the Ministry of Economy and Finance. His strategic insight during this tenure laid the groundwork for modernizing the country’s insurance regulations.
In 1993, Kipré transitioned to CICA-RE, where he served as CEO until early 2008. His vision and operational excellence steered the reinsurance giant through a transformative decade. That same year, he took a bold step forward by establishing Serenity, an insurance company that would soon become synonymous with innovation and reliability in Côte d’Ivoire’s financial sector.
Beyond corporate leadership, Kipré was a respected voice in regional insurance governance. He contributed to shaping policies as a member of the Commission Régionale de Contrôle de la CIMA, served on the executive committee of the Organisation Africaine des Assurances (OAA), and held key roles in the Fédération des Sociétés d’Assurances de Droit National Africaines (FANAF). His commitment extended to education as a board member of the Institut International des Assurances de Yaoundé (IIA), where he mentored the next generation of African insurance professionals.
