The GIIF Program will host a knowledge exchange session titled “Coping with Climate and Disaster Risks” at the International Conference on Inclusive Insurance (ICII) 2026, taking place in Rwanda this October.

As climate and disaster risks intensify, communities, farmers, and small businesses face growing uncertainty. This session responds to the need for practical solutions that strengthen financial resilience, with a focus on how collaboration between governments, development partners, insurers, and lenders can support both recovery and long-term stability.

Scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, the session will bring together practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts for an interactive exchange on managing climate and disaster risks.

Speakers include Sharon Onyango (World Bank Group, Ethiopia), Hassan Habimana (Development Bank of Rwanda, Rwanda), and Rhoda Rubaiza (Zep Re, Kenya). The session will be facilitated by Qhelile Ndlovu (World Bank Group, USA).

A key example will be Rwanda’s Bridge Lending Window, which links insurance with credit guarantees and emergency liquidity to help small businesses access financing quickly after a shock. The discussion will also draw on global experience with parametric and microinsurance solutions, including initiatives such as AgriConnect and the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), to explore how partnerships can expand access to agricultural finance and strengthen resilience.

Through shared experiences and practical insights, the session aims to highlight what works, what can scale, and how collaboration can improve outcomes for those most exposed to climate and disaster risks.

Stay tuned for key highlights and takeaways from the session, which will be featured on this platform after the event, showcasing lessons learned and practical insights from across the climate and disaster risk finance community.