Press release:African Union Moves to Expand Inclusive Social Security Coverage to Informal Workers, Rural Sectors, and Migrant Workers Across Africa

The African Union Commission (AUC) is ramping up its efforts to support Member States structures to extend social security coverage to the informal economy, rural sector, and migrant workers across the continent. This initiative was unveiled during the inaugural session of the African Social Security Institutions Coordination and Cooperation Forum (ASSCCF), held from 25 to 26 September at the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa.

Advocate Machethe Maemo, Director of the African Union Continental Operational Centre, announced that the AUC launched the ASSCCF to provide a platform for coordination and cooperation for social security institutions in Member States. This forum serves as a space for non-binding dialogue on issues and opportunities related to social security management and the role of social security institutions in the development agenda of Member States and the African Union.

“Africa has made significant strides, with 17% of the population now having access to at least one form of social protection,” Mr. Maemo stated. “However, the informal economy, rural sector, and migrant workers, who make up a significant portion of Africa’s workforce, remain vulnerable. It is our responsibility to ensure these underserved groups are included in comprehensive social protection systems.”

The ASSCCF is composed of national social security institutions from Member States, alongside partners like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA). It aims at developing context-specific solutions to strengthen social safety nets and promote sustainable social security systems across Africa, and ultimately, contribute to economic development.

“Social protection programmes have a multiplier effect on our economies as they increase household consumption, and stimulate demand for goods and services,” stated Ms. Totsie Memela-Khambula, CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). She further emphasized the need for developing strategies and frameworks that adopt a rights-based approach to social protection, alongside fiscal tools to combat underinvestment, and mechanisms to enhance the governance and coordination of social security systems.

Despite progress, the continent remains far from achieving the ambitious target set by the Africa Regional Social Protection Strategy, 2021-2025, which aims to ensure that 40% of Africa’s population is covered by at least one social protection benefit by 2024. Mr. Khumbula Ndaba, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, and the AU and ECA representative, stressed the urgency of accelerating efforts to reach this goal.

“Progress at this rate means another 49 years before everyone is covered by at least one social protection benefit, which unfortunately most of us in this room will not be able to see in our lifetime. Hence, it is important that we do more,” Mr. Ndaba stated.

These efforts align with key continental and global development goals like the Social Agenda 2063 particularly Aspiration 1 which emphasizes universal social protection to eradicate poverty and inequality to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. The Migration Policy Framework for Africa advocates for including migrant workers in social security systems, acknowledging their significant economic contributions as well as the Sustainable Development Goals that stress expanding social protection to foster equitable economic growth and social inclusion.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Innocent Vuga | Communication & Knowledge Management Officer – JLMP | Labour, Employment and Migration Division | African Union Commission | Email: VugaI@africa-union.org

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