The fintech company is positioning itself as an insurtech that combines cultural sensitivity, mobile accessibility, and blockchain technology to address a significant financial and social need.

Urban Ubuntu, a South African startup, has developed a digital solution specializing in funeral and repatriation insurance for the African diaspora. The company, founded in 2019 by Shingie Maramba, is beginning its service with the Kenyan community in South Africa.

"Funerals are often the biggest expense for diaspora families, costing US$7,000–US$10,000 per case. Families rely heavily on remittances, which can drain savings and delay burials. Traditional insurance providers lack cultural sensitivity, fast payouts, and mobile-first convenience," said Maramba.

The platform combines innovative technologies, including an AI that considers cultural rites to offer funeral services aligned with tradition, blockchain for transparency, and diaspora-friendly payment options compatible with M-Pesa, foreign exchange services, and banking apps.

To further streamline the process, Urban Ubuntu partners with Old Mutual for underwriting, AVBOB for repatriation logistics, Kenbright for 24/7 customer service, and KEDASA SACCO for product distribution.

Following its launch for the Kenyan market, the startup plans to expand to diaspora communities in the United States, Europe, and Australia. It also intends to deploy its services across the 14 African markets covered by its partner Old Mutual, where remittance flows exceed $30 billion annually.

"With US$5 billion in remittances flowing into Kenya annually, the founders saw an opportunity to redirect a portion of that into structured funeral cover that is affordable, customisable, and digital," Maramba added.

Adoni Conrad Quenum