COVA Africa
Mobile microinsurance platform for underserved markets in French-speaking Africa
Overview
COVA Africa is a digital insurance distribution platform for carriers and distribution partners operating in French-speaking African markets. Founded in 2022 by Virginie Pouna Ngomi, the company enables paperless insurance subscription, claims processing, and settlement via mobile money, targeting populations with limited access to traditional insurance channels.
The platform delivers insurance across health, life, and auto verticals through a mobile-first application and partner integrations. Its AI-powered auto insurance module automates vehicle registration document reading -- extracting taxable horsepower, usage type, and fuel category from a smartphone video -- and applies the applicable CIMA regulatory pricing grid without manual underwriting. Claims are processed remotely and indemnification is completed in under 24 hours via mobile money transfers. COVA supports rapid API integration for fintechs, e-commerce platforms, and mobility services seeking to embed insurance products.
COVA raised a seed round of USD 60.7K from Digital Africa, Fuze (Africa), and Google for Startups. The company won the 6th edition of CATAPULT: Inclusion Africa in 2023, selected from over 140 applicants across seven countries. A diaspora-focused product, COVA MBOA, extends coverage to expatriate families in France through partnerships with ACAM Vie SA (Cameroon), SAAR VIE (Cote d'Ivoire), and NUBIA FINANCES (France).
Products & Services
Mobile Insurance Platform
Fully digital insurance subscription and claims management delivered through a mobile application. Policyholders can purchase coverage, file claims, and receive indemnification without visiting an office or interacting with a human agent.
Key Features
- End-to-end mobile subscription flow
- Remote claims submission and processing
- Mobile money settlement in under 24 hours
- Coverage across health, life/provision, and auto verticals
Target Users: Consumers in CIMA member countries; carriers seeking digital distribution channels
AI-Powered Auto Insurance Module
Automated vehicle registration document processing using computer vision on smartphone video. The system extracts vehicle attributes and applies the official CIMA regulatory pricing grid automatically.
Key Features
- Smartphone video capture of vehicle registration documents
- Automated extraction of taxable horsepower, usage, and fuel type
- Real-time application of regulatory pricing grids
- Elimination of paper-based underwriting workflows
Target Users: Auto insurance carriers and MGA partners in CIMA-regulated markets
Partner Integration Services
API-based embedding of insurance products into third-party platforms. COVA provides integration consulting and training for distribution partners.
Key Features
- Multiple rapid API integration options
- Free onboarding and technical training for partners
- Compatible with fintechs, e-commerce, mobility, and payment platforms
Target Users: Fintechs, e-commerce businesses, mobility platforms, and service providers
COVA MBOA (Diaspora Insurance)
Insurance product targeting African diaspora communities in France, providing coverage for families remaining in home countries.
Key Features
- Digital distribution for diaspora customers in France
- Coverage for families in Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire
- Delivered through partnerships with regional insurers
Target Users: African diaspora communities in France
At a Glance
- Founded
- 2022
- Headquarters
- Douala, Cameroon
- Employees
- 11-50
- Funding
- Seed
Category & Focus
- Category
- Distribution & Sales
- Subcategories
- Embedded Insurance Digital Distribution Microinsurance
- Insurance Verticals
- Life & Annuity P&C Personal Health
- Target Customers
- Carriers, Consumers, Agents/Agencies
Customers
- Uninsured populations in CIMA member countries
- Distribution partner fintechs and platforms (names not publicly disclosed)
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Last updated: 2026-06-25