Overview

In a world of increasing risk, insurance can be a lifeline for households, protecting lives and livelihoods when a crisis strikes. But 9 out of 10 people in low-income communities lack the safety net of insurance, which means that any unexpected shock can cause them to fall into poverty. Key sectors in developing countries are almost entirely without financial protection: just 5 percent of small businesses have insurance across Southeast Asia, and only 1 percent of smallholder farmers have insurance coverage in sub-Saharan Africa.

UNDP is working to bridge the protection gap by expanding the availability of low-cost, accessible and inclusive insurance products that meet the real needs of individuals and families in developing countries.

UNDP’s offer

UNDP works with governments to prioritize insurance market development, integrating insurance into social and economic programmes, and works with insurance regulators to develop enabling environments for insurance. Working with the insurance industry, UNDP helps build capacity to develop products, services and distribution channels that reach underserved households.

Where we
work

Building resilience for households across the globe

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The boundaries and names shown and the designations on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. 

Our Projects

UNDP is protecting households by developing inclusive insurance markets

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