Launch of the Microinsurance Technology Inventory
10 years ago, CGAP launched the first reviews of a variety of software systems which can be used by MFIs in their provision of credit. Now, following in the steps of microfinance, the Microinsurance Network Technology Working Group is launching the first online microinsurance technology inventory which both centralises and reviews software systems specifically designed for microinsurance.
The objective of the microinsurance technology inventory is to provide the microinsurance community with an overview of technologies that can be used for the administration of insurance products for the low-income population. This initiative is being conducted by Berende Consulting on behalf of the Technology Working Group and is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank MIF-Fomin, the Microinsurance Innovation Facility and the Microinsurance Network.
 The website allows the user to search, filter and examine each of the available software by the product type, language, size of institution, location of provider...etc. In addition to offering a place for insurance providers to find the software that most suits their needs, the website also provides a platform for technology providers to present their products.
The launch of the website is only the beginning of this project as the Technology Working Group still has a long list of additional features and developments to put in place. These include developing the inter-activeness of the website, adding more detailed reviews, translating the website into Spanish, French and Portuguese, and finally branching out of reviewing only software systems to other technologies such as mobile phones, smart cards, point of sale terminals, RFID…etc.
Click here to view website
Final call for proposals - 6th International Microinsurance Conference
To cover subjects with current and interesting content, the conference organisers Munich Re Foundation and the Microinsurance Network are announcing the final call for proposals on the following themes:
- Scientific track – Economic analysis of microinsurance markets, together with the Center for the Economic Analysis of Risk, the International Microinsurance Conference will have a scientific track to encourage rigorous economic analysis of microinsurance markets.
- Case studies on innovative and sustainable microinsurance programmes and/or products: Submissions must include solid data providing evidence of the execution of the programme including key performance indicators. Preference is given to submissions focusing on a range of challenges and solutions, highlighting the role of the different stakeholders involved.
- Thematic issues: Submissions are also requested on the following topics of particular interest to the organisers: New distribution channels; Claims handling; Strategies to develop microinsurance; Microinsurance solutions for natural disasters; Insurance literacy and Takaful microinsurance.
Deadline for submission: 31 May 2010
For more detailed information, the application form, submission criteria and procedures, visit the conference website
Follow the Microinsurance Network on Twitter
 The Microinsurance Network is currently testing the benefits of being on Twitter, the social networking website. We will use it as a tool to disseminate news about the activities of the Network and its Working Groups.
Click here and follow us on twitter
International Microinsurance Conference: Past, present and future
In light of the upcoming 6th International Microinsurance Conference taking place between 9-11 November in Manila, Philippines, Dirk Reinhard, Vice Chairman of the Munich Re Foundation and member of the Executive Committee of the Microinsurance Network, answers a few questions regarding the past, present and future of this pioneering conference.
Click here to read interview
Call for proposal for a study on donor involvement
This study entitled Donor Involvement in Microinsurance is part of the Microinsurance Network's effort to support stakeholders coordination and harmonisation, and to promote good practices. The focus on donors for this study is a continuation of the work done on Lessons and Recommendations for Donors Supporting Microinsurance. The study will also build on previous studies such as The Landscape of Microinsurance in the 100 Poorest Countries.
Scope and objectives
The study will provide an overview of the donors involved in microinsurance, including the details of what instruments they use, geographical focus, business models, insurance products supported, etc..
In this study, donors are defined as bi‐lateral or multilateral agencies, regional development banks, development finance institutions, social investors and foundations. The study should answer the key question “Who is doing what, where, how and why?” The study should be looking for global numbers with regional examples.
The study will include the following information from the different entities:
- Mapping of donors active in microinsurance;
- Basic characteristics (contact details, size of organisation, % of activities linked to microinsurance, etc);
- Priority of microinsurance related topics/issues/projects for the last year and projections for the next two ones;
- Key mode of operation, instruments, business models, insurance types and geographical focus;
- Awareness about and application of donor recommendations.
If you would like to submit a proposal, please contact the secretariat to receive the Terms of Reference. Deadline for submissions is 10 May 2010.
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