Assesment of skills required for Uganda's AI driven insurance industry

Abstract

This study examined the skills required for success in Uganda’s AI driven insurance industry. Its main objective was to identify the skills required for success and assess the preparedness of insurance professionals and university students for an AI-driven insurance environment. A sample of 224 respondents participated in the study and a structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data that was thereafter cleaned and analysed at two levels, that is; univariate and bivariate levels of analysis. The analysis centred on workforce preparedness for an AI-driven insurance environment as the main outcome variable, while AI related skills, AI awareness, exposure to AI related courses, education and training, and confidence in using AI tools were examined as explanatory factors. Results from the Chi square analysis revealed significant associations between computer/IT skills and preparedness and between communication skills and preparedness. However, no significant associations were found between preparedness and data analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability and programming skills. The study concludes that preparedness for an AI-driven insurance environment is influenced by selected skills, particularly computer/IT and communication skills, highlighting the importance of developing both technical and human centred competencies among current and future insurance professionals. Based on the findings, it is recommended that insurance companies and educational institutions should strengthen AI, digital and data-related training, promote continuous professional development, and enhance collaboration between industry and universities to improve workforce preparedness. Insurance professionals and students should also be encouraged to continuously develop relevant technical and human centred skills to remain prepared for the changing demands of the AI driven insurance industry.