ASA International, one of the world’s largest international microfinance institutions serving low-income, mostly female, entrepreneurs across Asia and Africa, has partnered with Turaco Insurance, Africa’s leading microinsurance underwriter powered by technology, to launch a groundbreaking Enhanced Credit Life insurance product.
Following a soft launch of ‘ASA LifeCare’ on 12 May in Uganda, the product has now officially launched in the country after showing strong early success.
It is also officially rolling out in Kenya under the name ‘Maisha Care by ASA’, with plans to expand further across ASA International’s other six African markets.
The partnership embeds Enhanced Credit Life into ASA International’s loan products, delivering affordable and accessible protection for clients.
Starting from just US$0.30 per month, the cover offers uninterrupted protection against credit, life and health-related risks, without complex paperwork or additional burden for loan officers.
This cover goes beyond portfolio protection as it insures ASA International customers and their families against the unplanned shocks of life, helping them stay on their feet during times of crisis.
“This launch represents an important step for ASA International as we seek to deepen and broaden financial inclusion by offering access to life and health insurance services that have traditionally been out of reach for many,” said Rob Keijsers, Group CEO of ASA International.
“The Enhanced Credit Life replaces and strengthens our previous death-only cover, providing more comprehensive protection for our clients. Thanks to our digital ambitions, this kind of innovation becomes easier to deliver and scale across our markets. The success of the pilot programme in Uganda has delivered strong momentum as we move towards a further Africa-wide rollout,” he added.
Enhanced Credit Life Product is automatically bundled with loan disbursement, ensuring instant cover.
In addition, the product is affordable with monthly premiums from just US$0.30, tailored to low-income entrepreneurs.
Turaco’s platform powers the entire value chain—from onboarding to claims—via seamless API integration with ASA International’s existing loan systems. Clients can initiate claims through mobile channels, with minimal paperwork and fast turnaround.
“We’re honoured and delighted to be partnering with ASA International across all eight of their African markets,” said Ted Pantone, Group CEO of Turaco.
“This partnership directly aligns with Turaco’s bold vision to insure 1 billion people in emerging markets. Together, we are demonstrating that it’s possible to deliver meaningful, affordable protection at scale. This launch brings us closer to raising insurance penetration from 2% to double digits while advancing key Sustainable Development Goals—reducing poverty, improving healthcare access, and building lasting financial resilience,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cedric Todwell, Group Director of Business Development at Turaco Insurance noted that the new partnership is a strategic step forward in building financial resilience for families across Africa.
Todwell explained that it’s a shared commitment to protecting what matters most in people’s lives when they’re at their most vulnerable.
“What makes this partnership unique is its ability to blend two critical tools — credit and insurance — into one seamless experience. ASA provides access to much-needed capital through loans, while Turaco ensures that customers are protected when life’s unexpected challenges show up,” said Todwell.
“Together, we’re embedding simple and affordable microinsurance directly into ASA’s loan products — not as an add-on, but as an essential layer of safety for every borrower. Because when a customer is covered, that loan isn’t just an opportunity — it becomes a sustainable path forward,” he added.
