Maurice Digbeu Kipré, the founder and chief executive officer of Côte d’Ivoire’s leading insurance firm Serenity, has died in Abidjan at the age of 75. His passing was confirmed on the morning of Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Early career and rise in Côte d’Ivoire’s insurance sector
After completing his studies in Côte d’Ivoire and the United States, Kipré launched his professional journey in 1979 at American International Group (AIG), laying the foundation for a career that would shape West Africa’s insurance landscape.
In 1988, his expertise was recognized when he was appointed Director of Insurance at Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, where he played a pivotal role in shaping national insurance policies.
A lasting legacy in African insurance
Kipré’s career took another significant turn in 1993 when he joined CICA-RE, where he served as leader until early 2008. His vision and leadership culminated in November 2008 with the establishment of Serenity, an insurance company that quickly became a benchmark in the industry.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Kipré was a respected figure in pan-African insurance circles. His contributions extended to several key organizations, including the Regional Control Commission of CIMA, the Executive Committee of the African Insurance Organization (OAA), the Executive Office of the Federation of African National Insurance Companies (FANAF), and the Board of Directors of the International Insurance Institute of Yaoundé (IIA).
