A Storm, A Warehouse, and a Lesson in Resilience

By Daily News reporter

When torrential rains through Lusaka this, dozens of small businesses and compounds are watched helplessly as floodwaters swallowed their inventory. For many, it is the end of the road. But one company, a mid-sized logistics firm, reopened its doors within weeks. The difference? Insurance.

While competitors scrambled to recover, the firm’s property insurance covered damages, and business interruption insurance kept salaries flowing. Their story is a reminder that insurance isn’t just paperwork — it’s the invisible backbone of survival.

Why Insurance Is Strategic let’s look at three strategies

•             Risk is inevitable: From cyberattacks to workplace accidents, businesses face threats daily. Insurance transforms unpredictable risks into manageable costs.

•             Credibility counts: Investors and clients often ask one question before signing contracts: “Are you insured?” The answer can make or break a deal.

•             Employees matter: Health and life insurance aren’t perks; they’re commitments to the people who keep the business running.

Speaking to a Daily News reporter in Lusaka, Ruth Tembo, owner of a bustling salon, recalled her skepticism about insurance. “I used to think insurance was a luxury or they wanted to steal our money,” she admitted candidly.

But her perspective changed dramatically when a fire tore through her shop. “After the fire destroyed our salon, I realized it’s the only reason we’re still in business today.”

Her story is not just personal — it reflects the growing realization among Zambian entrepreneurs that insurance is a lifeline, not a luxury.

And according to today’s volatile world — climate change, global supply chain shocks, and digital vulnerabilities — insurance is no longer optional. It’s a strategic investment in resilience. Businesses that embrace it are not just protecting assets; they’re safeguarding futures, reputations, and livelihoods.

Meanwhile according to the World Bank, nearly 60% of small businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa close permanently after a major disaster if uninsured.          A PwC survey found that 72% of investors consider insurance coverage a key factor before funding startups. Globally, the cyber insurance market is projected to grow to $84 billion by 2030, reflecting rising digital threats.

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