On October 21, during a press conference in Beijing, Li Yongxin, the deputy director of the Department of Aging Services at China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs, shared some impressive statistics regarding elderly care services. By the end of the second quarter of 2024, the country is expected to have 410,000 various elderly care institutions and facilities. Notably, community-based elderly care facilities have surged to 369,000, reflecting a remarkable increase of 100% and 120% compared to 2019, respectively.
This announcement was part of the “Five Years of Civil Affairs” thematic press briefing. Li emphasized that during the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Ministry has initiated projects aimed at enhancing home and community-based elderly care services. These efforts have supported 184 projects across different regions, leading to the establishment of 347,000 home care beds and providing in-home care services to an impressive 647,000 individuals.
At the same event, Zhao Yong, deputy director and primary inspector of the Ministry’s Department of Child Welfare, highlighted advancements in child welfare. He reported that by the end of the second quarter of 2024, approximately 141,000 orphans are receiving basic living security nationwide. Among those in institutional care, the average support standard is 1,953.0 yuan per person per month, while the average standard for socially independent orphans is 1,496.6 yuan. Additionally, about 414,000 children with no caregivers have been included in the support system, receiving an average of 1,481.1 yuan per person per month.
Wang Xiaodong, deputy director of the Department of Geographic Names, also provided updates on the continuous improvement of China’s National Geographic Names Information Database. He noted that over 14 million data entries have been collected, which are now part of the data-sharing list issued by the State Council. This initiative aims to support the modernization of the national governance system and enhance governance capabilities.
The Ministry also launched the “Famous Villages Action” in May 2023, aimed at revitalizing rural areas. Discussing the outcomes of this initiative, Wang mentioned that by mid-October 2024, there have been standardized naming efforts for 450,000 village names, the installation of 350,000 village name signs, and 14.5 million building number plates. Furthermore, over 9 million rural place names have been accurately marked on internet map platforms.
On October 27, the Second Intelligent Scientist Ecosystem Alliance Conference and Forum was held at the University of Science and Technology of China, themed “Building Infrastructure for Intelligent Scientists to Ignite a Paradigm Revolution.”
The Intelligent Scientist Ecosystem Alliance, established by the University of Science and Technology of China in collaboration with leading domestic institutions in the field of intelligent material sciences, aims to promote the sharing of research robot command sets, experimental template libraries, and frameworks for scientific intelligent agents. The goal is to advance the standardization and infrastructure development for intelligent scientists, ultimately transforming the research paradigm in data-driven scientific inquiries.
During the event, notable attendees, including Academician Chang Jin (President of the University of Science and Technology of China), Academician Asao Ming from Zhejiang University, Academician Zhang Tongyi from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and Shanghai University, Academician Xie Yi from the University of Science and Technology of China, and Vice President Academician Yang Jinlong, collectively ignited the “flame of paradigm revolution.”
The conference began with the announcement of 45 new alliance members, followed by Professor Luo Yi from the University of Science and Technology of China presenting the alliance’s action program — the “Declaration of the Intelligent Scientist Ecosystem Alliance.” This alliance aims to establish a national infrastructure for intelligent scientists, providing always-accessible capabilities in scientific cognition, precise experimentation and computation, and data analysis. This initiative seeks to help humanity overcome the individual limitations of physical strength, computational power, intellectual capacity, and disciplinary understanding. Much like how electrical infrastructure allows for immediate access to power, the intelligent scientist infrastructure will serve as a foundational “grid” for new productive forces of intelligence.
Professor Jiang Jun from the University of Science and Technology of China unveiled the “Machine Chemist System 1.2” during the conference. This version integrates a “chemical brain” and includes four major research bases: literature reading, experimental design, robotic operation, and intelligent simulation, covering the full spectrum of scientific research methodologies. He highlighted the latest achievements of the alliance in intelligent research paradigms and foundational construction for intelligent science.
Jiang elaborated that the machine chemist operating system combines cognitive and action intelligence, establishing a data-driven paradigm of “theoretical-practical integration” for scientific research. He also introduced the intelligent scientist platform website, which will serve as the alliance’s data center, providing up-to-date chemical template libraries, command sets, automated calculation templates, and a forum for engagement, creating a vibrant community for AI4S innovation.
Subsequently, attendees engaged in deep discussions on four themes: “Intelligent Scientific Foundations and the Flame of Paradigm Revolution,” “Talent Development in the Era of Data Intelligence,” “Intelligent Foundations Driving New Productive Forces,” and “Standardization and Promotion of Intelligent Scientists.” They collaboratively analyzed the latest advancements and future trends of intelligent technology in chemical synthesis, material innovation, and scientific methodologies, exchanging ideas on the integration of theory and practice as well as strategies for talent development in the data intelligence era.
Shen Yi, Deputy Director of the Frontiers of Science and Basic Research Bureau of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized that building infrastructure for intelligent scientists is a crucial step towards achieving paradigm transformation. He remarked, “We need to strengthen the application of artificial intelligence across various disciplines, innovate research paradigms, improve research efficiency and quality, and promote significant original outcomes. Additionally, we must enhance talent development and recruitment, unite related strengths both within and outside our institutions, and build an interdisciplinary research team with a spirit of innovation and practical capabilities for AI in Science.”
As tensions escalate between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, reports indicate ongoing clashes in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, with thick plumes of smoke rising above on the 21st. According to an Axios report on the 20th, citing two American and two Israeli officials, Israel submitted a document to the U.S. last week outlining stringent conditions for halting its military actions in Lebanon. U.S. envoy Hochstein visited Beirut on the 21st, aiming to discuss diplomatic solutions to the conflict as well as Israel’s demands. However, these conditions appear to conflict with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, making it unlikely that Lebanon and the international community would agree to them.
Israeli officials stated that one of the key conditions for a ceasefire with the Shiite militant group Hezbollah and allowing civilians to return to their homes along the Israel-Lebanon border is that the Israeli military must conduct “active enforcement operations.” This is intended to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and rebuilding military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Another demand is for the Israeli Air Force to have the freedom of operation within Lebanese airspace.
This document reportedly originated from discussions involving Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s close adviser, Strategic Affairs Minister Demmer, as well as personnel from the Israeli Defense Ministry and military. Demmer sent the document to Hochstein on the 17th.
However, these conditions are at odds with the Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that the Lebanese government and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) oversee a ceasefire after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. A U.S. official remarked that these Israeli conditions would significantly infringe on Lebanon’s sovereignty, making it improbable for Lebanon and the international community to accept them.
Israeli officials contended that their focus is on reinforcing the enforcement of the aforementioned resolution, suggesting, “If the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL do more, then the Israeli military would need to do less, and vice versa.” The White House and the Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the matter.
Hochstein is expected to meet with Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Mikati and Parliament Speaker Berri, among others. Berri mentioned on the 20th that Hochstein’s visit represents a last chance for American election solutions to the Lebanese conflict, emphasizing that there is a consensus in Lebanon regarding the resolution and a refusal to amend it.
In addition, hostilities reignited on the 20th, with Lebanon’s National News Agency reporting Israeli forces targeting branches of financial institutions allegedly funding Hezbollah. Eleven bombings occurred in southern Beirut, with additional attacks concentrated in the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon.
The attacked establishments mostly included Al-Qard Al-Hassan, which the U.S. claims Hezbollah uses to manage financial resources. The Jerusalem Post reported that Hezbollah has used its deposits in this institution to purchase weapons.
Furthermore, according to a report by the Central News Agency citing AFP, the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, Krug, stated on the 21st that as many as 1,000 women and children are expected to evacuate from the Gaza Strip to Europe for emergency medical care.
Additionally, Israeli military operations continue to intensify in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, with local residents and medical personnel reporting bombardments of residential buildings and the encirclement of schools and shelters designated for displaced individuals.
As we step into the Frost’s Descent, marking the final phase of autumn and the prelude to winter, it’s a time when nature begins to nurture new vitality beneath the chilly frost. The fields and forests across China are quietly preparing for a feast that tantalizes the taste buds. In celebration of this pivotal moment, the China Meteorological Administration has curated a list of distinguished products available nationwide. Ranging from the fertile north to the bountiful south, these products not only embody the gifts of the season but also reveal secrets of health and delicacy. Let’s lift the veil on the bounty of this season and discover some mouthwatering seasonal delicacies.
**The Sweet Temptation of Zhaotong Apples**
When it comes to frost season, apples cannot be overlooked. In Zhaotong, Yunnan, where the local apple-growing history spans nearly a century, the area boasts a unique blend of subtropical and temperate climates. With its average annual temperature at 12.2°C, Zhaotong experiences around 200 days where the monthly average temperature is over 10°C, along with ample sunlight and rainfall, providing perfect conditions for apple cultivation. The combination of daytime nutrient accumulation and minimal nighttime consumption increases the sugar and vitamin content in Zhaotong apples, which are renowned for being early-ripening, sweet, fragrant, and crisp.
As Frost’s Descent arrives, the cooler temperatures prompt the apples to convert starch into sugars to protect themselves from freezing. This transformation not only shields the fruit but also results in a noticeably sweeter taste.
**The Sweet Call of Rongxian Shatian Grapefruit**
The Frost’s Descent signifies the pinnacle of the Shatian grapefruit season in Rongxian County, Guangxi. This is the best time for harvesting, as the fruit becomes crisp, fragrant, and sweet, almost as if nature has sprinkled a layer of sugary frost upon it.
Located in the southeastern part of Guangxi, Rongxian enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by mild and humid weather, rich sunshine, and abundant rainfall—creating an ideal environment for growing Shatian grapefruits. Following the Frost’s Descent, the daytime and nighttime temperature differences enhance the sugar content in the fruit, resulting in its distinctive sweetness.
During this season, the grapefruit’s flesh turns a striking golden color and emits an irresistible aroma. So, why not savor a slice of Rongxian Shatian grapefruit and experience the sweetness and warmth that nature provides during this time?
**Wangqing Black Fungus: The Black Pearl of Yanbian Forests**
As temperatures drop during Frost’s Descent, our bodies become more susceptible to the cold, making it essential to adjust our diets to boost immunity. Among the nutritious options available, black fungus stands out as an excellent choice for autumn health.
Wangqing black fungus, sourced from Wangqing County in Jilin Province’s Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, is recognized as a geographical indication product. Nestled in the heart of the Changbai Mountain range, Wangqing boasts a high forest coverage rate of 92%, with rich soil and clean water providing ideal conditions for cultivating black fungus. Its thick, elastic ear shapes are translucent with superb rehydration qualities. Beyond its pleasing texture, Wangqing black fungus is packed with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and various minerals.
By the time Frost’s Descent arrives, the black fungus is ready for harvesting and drying. Incorporating it into your diet during this season can enhance cardiovascular health and promote digestive well-being.
**Tianjin Xiaozhan Rice: A Golden Harvest**
Frost’s Descent is the time when the rich aroma of rice fills the air, signaling the golden season for harvesting. In this fruitful period, Xiaozhan rice from Tianjin takes center stage with its exceptional quality and unique flavor.
Situated in the North China Plain, Tianjin’s fertile land and abundant water resources nurture this prized rice. The area enjoys a humid continental climate, which is favorable for rice growth, featuring an ample average annual rainfall of 558.9 mm, a lengthy frost-free period, and extensive sunshine—providing an extended growing period that enhances its quality. Xiaozhan rice is notably described as “whiter and more translucent, glistening with oil, fragrant and sticky, with a sweet aftertaste,” while also being rich in essential amino acids and fiber.
**The Crunchy Secret Beneath the Winter Frost: Weifang Radishes**
A saying goes, “It’s better to nourish in Frost’s Descent than to prepare for winter,” emphasizing the importance of proper nourishment during this period. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, food nourishment is often considered superior to medicinal remedies, allowing individuals to achieve health benefits while avoiding potential side effects from medications.
Among various autumn foods, the radishes from Hanting District in Weifang are a rare find. Located in the central Shandong Peninsula, the climate and fertile land create optimal conditions for these radishes, making them firm, green, and delightfully sweet.
As temperatures drop during Frost’s Descent, incorporating these radishes into your diet can warm the body, fend off the cold, and enhance immunity.
**Dongzhi Golden Chrysanthemum: A Golden Feast After Frost’s Descent**
With Frost’s Descent upon us, the blooming chrysanthemums signal an ideal time for floral appreciation. This season not only brings cooler temperatures but also dryness in the air, making a pot of chrysanthemum tea an inviting remedy to hydrate and soothe the spirit.
In Anhui’s Dongzhi, the climate conditions—boasting an average annual temperature of 16.9°C and significant temperature fluctuations—create an ideal environment for cultivating golden chrysanthemum. Known for their high content of flavonoids and rich nutrients, Dongzhi’s golden chrysanthemum features a unique blend of fragrance, sweetness, and hydration.
As you sip on a cup of Dongzhi golden chrysanthemum tea, watch the golden petals unfurl in the water, releasing a delicate aroma that not only pleases the senses but also warms the heart.
As Frost’s Descent ushers in the closing chapter of autumn, we savor not only the change of seasons but also the nature’s delicacies offered from all corners of the land. Each ingredient serves as a reward from nature for those who toil. Let us carry the essence of this season forward as we look forward to the next delightful offering from nature.
On October 24, during an interview, a reporter from China Daily, Pan Yiqiao, highlighted the rich cultural background of Kucha City, known in ancient times as Kuqa, which is a significant hub along the ancient Silk Road. From the Wei and Jin Dynasties through the Sui and Tang Dynasties, this area absorbed the essence of Eastern and Western cultures, leading to the flourishing of Kuqa culture. The phrase “Come to Kucha and experience Kuqa culture” has become popular among visitors.
On this day, the “China Invitation: A Visit to Xinjiang” international media delegation arrived in Kuqa Alley, a central area of the historical cultural city of Kucha. This alley extends for one kilometer, with an average width of 4.5 meters, covering an area of 41,000 square meters. Within the alley, there are 12 century-old trees, 10 ancient residences, and a waterway, creating a landscape rich in history. Currently, there are 33 businesses operating in the alley, catering to the diverse shopping, entertainment, and cultural exploration needs of visitors.
Walking deeper into Kuqa Alley, one can see the traditional architecture typical of the southern Xinjiang region. Vibrant “oil-paper umbrellas” crafted from exquisite Adras silk catch the eye. The colorful wooden doors lining the alley invite visitors to step inside and discover yet another fascinating scene.
Additionally, Kuqa dance is a treasure within China’s traditional performing arts. Wall paintings in the Kizil Caves depict celestial musicians and flying dancers. Each day, a performance team presents artistic displays of dance and music in Kuqa Alley, enriching the cultural experience for all who visit.
The “China Invitation: A Visit to Xinjiang” international media delegation’s journey into Kuqa Alley marks the beginning of an insightful exploration of Kuqa culture, creating lasting memories of this ancient city.
Nick Cushing, who led Manchester City to the Women’s Super League title in 2016, is among the top candidates being considered for the head coach position of the Arsenal women’s team. Currently, the 39-year-old serves as the head coach of New York City FC’s men’s team, a role he stepped into in 2022 after initially joining as an assistant in 2020.
Arsenal’s interest in Cushing, first reported by The Athletic, comes shortly after Jonas Eidevall’s resignation last week. As Arsenal looks to fill the position, Cushing stands out due to his notable achievements, including being one of only three coaches to have won a WSL title in the past decade, alongside Emma Hayes and Joe Montemurro.
Meanwhile, Cushing is focused on his current responsibilities as New York City FC is deep in playoff action, with a crucial match against Cincinnati scheduled for October 28. He is under contract with the MLS club until the end of the 2025 season.
However, Cushing isn’t the only contender for the Arsenal role. The club is taking its time with the decision, trusting interim head coach Renée Slegers, who has successfully led the team to two wins in her brief tenure.
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu and director of women’s football Clare Wheatley are spearheading the search for a new head coach and likely had a candidate profile in mind even before Eidevall’s departure. When asked about her interest in the permanent position, Slegers maintained her focus on her current role, stating, “That is not on my mind,” and added, “I just know I am appointed as interim coach and that is where my focus is now. The future, I have no idea.”
Arsenal will play their next WSL match on November 3, facing Manchester United. In addition to the 2016 WSL title, Cushing’s accolades with Manchester City include a Women’s FA Cup win in 2017 and two League Cups in 2014 and 2016, highlighting his successful tenure in women’s football.
On October 9th, the Italian volleyball club Conegliano announced that Chinese player Zhu Ting officially joined the team on a two-season contract. This announcement was made on the club’s social media channels.
Conegliano is recognized as a powerhouse in the Italian women’s volleyball league, with the team having secured multiple titles, including the Italian Super Cup, the Italian Cup, the Italian League, and the UEFA Champions League during the 2023-24 season.
In a press conference, Zhu Ting expressed her excitement about joining the team, stating, “This team has won many championships, and there are many strong athletes joining as well. I hope to learn more here and experience a different team atmosphere.”
Notably, Zhu Ting is the first Chinese player in Conegliano’s history. She will wear the number 4 jersey, a number she started with when she first debuted with the Henan women’s volleyball team in 2014.
Time flies; over the past decade, Zhu Ting has evolved from a promising young player into a world-class athlete, gaining international experience by playing overseas. In 2016, she signed with the Turkish team VakifBank, where she had an impressive three-season stint. During her time with the prestigious club, Zhu garnered eight championships, earning her the moniker “ZHUper” from foreign media.
From 2022 to 2024, Zhu represented another Italian club, Scandicci, where she played a crucial role in helping the team secure its first-ever UEFA Cup championship.
After the last season, Zhu returned to China to prepare for the Paris Olympics with the national team while also completing her postgraduate studies at Beijing Normal University, where she graduated successfully.
Following the Olympics, Zhu Ting took a short break but revealed that she’s in good shape now. She plans to undergo a week of individualized training before joining her teammates for practice.
In December, the 2024 FIVB Club World Championship will be held in China, a tournament that Zhu is particularly looking forward to. She stated her commitment to strive for success with her team during this event.
Next month, Zhu Ting will celebrate her 30th birthday. Reflecting on her career over the past few years, she has faced challenges such as Olympic disappointments and injuries. However, she stands renewed and ready for a new chapter as she enters her thirties.
Even from overseas, Zhu Ting remains connected to the Chinese national team, saying, “If I still have the ability, health, and the national team needs me in the future, I hope to represent my country again.”
A significant rainfall event is set to impact the central and eastern regions of China, initiated today and expected to last until October 18th. Meteorologists are forecasting ample moisture and favorable conditions, predicting that some areas in Henan and Shandong may experience rainfall rarely seen during this period.
Tomorrow is anticipated to be the peak of this rainfall event, with intense short-duration downpours likely to erupt in southern regions. This setup is driven by the northward movement of warm, moist air colliding with colder air from the north, which will create a widespread precipitation pattern.
The upper-level trough and low vortex shear lines are providing strong uplift dynamics, while low-level southerly winds are transporting significant moisture, leading to ideal conditions for precipitation.
Areas of northern China, including southern Central Hebei, Huai River region, Jianghuai, Jianghan, and western Jiangnan as well as eastern parts of Sichuan, are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain. Specific regions such as southern Shandong, eastern Henan, eastern Hubei, and parts of northeastern and western Hunan may even see localized heavy downpours.
Tomorrow is projected to be the most intense phase of this weather system, with a low vortex shear system forming due to the simultaneous force of warm and cold air. Rainfall levels are expected to peak from tomorrow night into the early hours of the following day. Regions including southern Shandong, eastern Henan, northern Anhui, and northern Jiangsu may face heavy rains.
By the day after tomorrow, the heavy rainfall zone will shift eastward toward the Shandong Peninsula, while moderate to heavy rain will persist in parts of the Sichuan Basin, Chongqing, northern Guizhou, and central-western Hunan.
This rainfall event is particularly notable for its potential intensity; during the peak, while northern regions will experience mainly steady precipitation, areas like southern Shandong and eastern Henan might record rain amounts that approach or exceed local October extremes.
In the south, the high temperatures leading up to this event have generated ample unstable energy, setting the stage for intense, short-duration downpours beginning tomorrow evening and lasting into the next day. Rainfall rates could reach 20 to 40 mm per hour, with isolated instances potentially exceeding 50 mm.
While this rainfall is beneficial for soil moisture and autumn planting, it poses a high risk of urban flooding in southern Shandong and northern-central Henan. Additionally, attention must be paid to the potential for secondary disasters in southern Sichuan, southern Chongqing, and northern Guizhou due to previous rainfall.
After this rainfall event, a strong cold front is expected to sweep through northern China between October 18th and 19th, with temperatures dropping by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius in parts of the eastern Northwest, Northeast, central-eastern North China, and areas of the Huai River and Jianghan regions. Northern North China and central-southern Northeast could see drops of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, with localized drops exceeding 14 degrees Celsius.
In a recent recruitment event in Huangshan, Anhui Province, a special guest drew a crowd of eager students: the legendary “soldier king,” Wang Zhongxin. His appearance at the university’s military mobilization meeting ignited palpable excitement among young attendees.
Wang, a celebrated figure known for his contributions to military technology, showcased his prized “August 1st Medal,” the highest honor in the Chinese military. The gleaming medal captivated the students, prompting enthusiastic chatter. “Be careful! It’s pure gold—don’t scratch it!” one student cautioned another as they gathered around.
Curious students peppered Wang with questions. “How can I earn the August 1st Medal?” one student asked, eager to learn about the path to such acclaim.
Wang Zhongxin’s journey began in 1986 when he enlisted with only a junior high school education. He quickly recognized the importance of technical knowledge in the military, dedicating every free moment to studying missile control systems. “From day one, I was determined to master the technical skills required of a soldier,” Wang recalled.
To prepare himself for the challenges ahead, he diligently studied over 20 professional textbooks, dissecting complex circuit diagrams until he could memorize them. “I practiced even the simplest tasks over a thousand times,” he shared.
In 2004, while Wang’s unit was overseeing the refurbishment of a strategic missile, they faced a daunting issue—costing over a hundred million yuan. After three days of troubleshooting, a fault still eluded the expert teams. Drawing from his extensive experience, Wang proposed a solution. “Having worked with missiles for a long time, I had a good grasp of the instruments and cables. I suggested that the connector might be the issue,” Wang explained.
His hunch proved correct. Experts reviewed his suggestion, leading them to inspect thousands of cables, ultimately pinpointing the malfunction. Thanks to Wang’s insights, the manufacturer improved the connectors for similar missile types.
Throughout his distinguished 32-year career, Wang demonstrated expertise in 19 missile control positions, participated in over 1,500 live missile operations without a single error, and trained more than 200 technical personnel, with over 40 excelling in their respective fields within the Rocket Force.
In July 2017, Wang was awarded the prestigious August 1st Medal, a testament to his remarkable dedication and skills.
Now retired, Wang Zhongxin resides in his hometown of Xiu County, Anhui Province, where he continues to embody military values. “No matter where I am, I will always strive to do the right thing and uphold the honor of my uniform,” he stated.
After retirement, he joined a volunteer service team for veterans and established the “Soldier King Workshop,” dedicated to assisting fellow veterans and local residents. Since 2021, he has organized visits and volunteer activities reaching over 2,000 individuals and has conducted numerous educational programs on national defense and recruitment.
“I believe the spirit of the military is about selfless dedication. As a soldier, it’s my duty to share this legacy and inspire others to participate,” Wang expressed passionately. “Once a soldier, always a soldier—we must never forget our mission!”
Ten years after the launch of the microinsurance initiative in Nigeria, Ebere Nwoji delves into its effectiveness in extending insurance coverage to low-income Nigerians.
The development of microinsurance operations in Nigeria was a key reform initiated by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) a decade ago, aimed at promoting financial inclusion and increasing insurance penetration across the nation. Specifically, this initiative began in September 2014, a year marked by numerous policy reforms designed to foster growth within the sector through enhanced insurance awareness among the populace.
Other significant reforms introduced by NAICOM included mandatory insurance policies, increased public awareness, promotion of retail insurance, the adoption of Risk Based Supervision, transitioning from Nigerian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (NGAAP) to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), market conduct reforms, claims settlement revisions, and strategies to combat financial crime, among others. All these measures were directed at strengthening the industry and improving the public’s perception of insurance.
As we reach the ten-year mark, a critical assessment of the microinsurance reforms raises important questions about the effectiveness of these products in reaching low-income earners in Nigeria.
Defining Microinsurance
Microinsurance is essentially defined as insurance coverage designed for low-income households or individuals with minimal savings. It is specifically tailored for lower-valued assets and provides compensation for various risks, including illness, injury, or death. A subset of microfinance, microinsurance aims to support low-income families by offering insurance plans that suit their specific needs, typically featuring lower premiums.
Similar to various other African nations such as Uganda, Namibia, and Ghana, Nigeria embarked on developing its own microinsurance market around the same time. However, closer scrutiny of insurance penetration at the grassroots level suggests that there is still much work to be done. Despite the availability of microinsurance products, many Nigerians at the lower economic strata continue to shoulder risks independently when faced with unexpected events.
For instance, instead of leveraging microinsurance products to mitigate their risks, many low-income earners still bear the losses of stolen or damaged possessions without assistance for replacements. Additionally, some individuals pay microinsurance premiums but find themselves without coverage due to a lack of understanding.
An example can be seen among small-scale traders who secure minor loans from microfinance institutions but inadvertently pay for insurance that is not part of their loan agreement. Meanwhile, transport company owners at various bus terminals collect microinsurance premiums from passengers yet fail to remit these funds to actual insurance firms. Consequently, even if an accident occurs, passengers may find themselves exposed to risks, despite having paid for what they believed was insurance coverage.
Industry analysts suggest that for microinsurance to fulfill its intended purpose, stringent monitoring and supervision are crucial.
NAICOM’s Efforts
NAICOM has played a pivotal role in these initiatives by releasing guidelines for microinsurance institutions and establishing a 14-member steering committee comprising representatives from various stakeholders in the financial services sector to facilitate the success of the microinsurance program.
According to NAICOM, these guidelines aim to enhance collaboration between insurers and microfinance banks, enabling traders, artisans, and low-income earners to access loans that are underwritten by participating insurers. The guidelines also set forth minimum standards for the conduct of microinsurance in the country.
After a decade, a thorough examination of the microinsurance initiative reveals that its progress has been slow, evidenced by the limited number of operating microinsurance institutions in the nation.
Operator Contributions
Following the release of the guidelines, insurance operators actively promoted microinsurance in Nigeria. Many collaborated with mobile phone operators to distribute insurance products. For example, Mutual Benefits established the first insurance franchise in Nigeria, and both operators and regulators pursued the Takaful insurance project with enthusiasm.
To enhance the effectiveness of the microinsurance initiative, NAICOM permitted conventional insurance companies to introduce microinsurance window operations in 2020, provided they adhered to specific conditions. Among these conditions, insurers must seek approval from NAICOM to conduct microinsurance business and ensure their microinsurance department is led by an experienced insurance officer.
Despite significant market potential, analysts believe the introduction of these guidelines signals a positive shift in the Nigerian microinsurance sector, highlighting the importance of low-income insurance distribution. The guidelines clarify that the maximum sum insured under a microinsurance policy cannot exceed N2,000,000 per individual per insurer. It also mandates that these policies be accessible to the target market through unconventional delivery channels such as microinsurance agents, cooperative societies, mutual benefit associations, microfinance institutions, religious organizations, NGOs, and various registered groups.
The Role of NAICOM
The NAICOM Act establishes the National Insurance Commission as the primary regulatory authority overseeing Nigeria’s insurance sector, including microinsurance. It delineates the rules and standards that microinsurance providers must follow to ensure consumer protection and maintain financial stability.
The Insurance Act of 2004 also governs all insurance activities in Nigeria, including microinsurance, by laying down the legal framework for insurance contracts, premium rates, and company licensing. Within the guidelines, NAICOM has categorized capital requirements for microinsurance companies into distinct categories.
Currently, NAICOM has licensed eight microinsurance companies and four takaful insurance firms, including Goxi Microinsurance, LifeGuard Microinsurance, and others. Despite these advancements, sector analysts note that many Nigerians remain outside the insurance safety net.
Insurance agents and marketers have expressed that they have yet to achieve substantial success in marketing these products. One agent, Sandra Onyeji, highlighted that transport costs, inflation, and the depreciating value of the naira have hindered their marketing success. She emphasized that while there is a push for digital marketing, many potential clients, particularly rural dwellers, are not digitally inclined.
In her view, it may take several more years to effectively promote microinsurance products through digital means. Nonetheless, she believes that current market responses indicate a promising future for microinsurance in Nigeria.
Industry analysts emphasize the importance of awareness in popularizing microinsurance. Many Nigerians remain unaware of its benefits, which underscores the need for initiatives like NAICOM’s partnership with the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria to train youths in insurance. This presents an opportunity for industry leaders to engage young people in promoting microinsurance and other insurance products across the country.
