Social Security in Africa far below 10%

Government says a well-structured social security is a catalyst to attaining economic development. Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary (PS), Barnaby Mulenga said social security is a tool in the promotion of livelihood of vulnerable and general welfare of the people.

The PS cites that poor administration of a pension has a negative effect on government.

The PS was speaking in Lusaka last evening during a welcome cocktail of International Social Security Association (ISSA) regional workshop organized by National Pension Scheme Authority through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

He disclosed that his ministry has embarked on refining pension reforms in Zambia aimed at protecting workers.

“Government acknowledges that a well-designed and structured social security is a catalyst to attaining the economic development,” the PS said.

Mr. Mulenga observed that social security systems in Africa provide effective social security to workers and citizens have failed over the years due to poor administration and financing.

Mr. Mulenga said most social security systems are tailored for people that are employed in the formal sector leaving out those in the informal sector or unemployed.

And ISSA Chairman for Southern Africa, Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini disclosed that social security protection is far below 10 percent in Africa.

His Royal Highness Dlamini said there is need for ISSA member countries to share experiences, information and exchange on social security for the benefit of its members.

Meanwhile, NAPSA Director General, Yollard Kachinda disclosed that developed economies account for 50 percent of workers accessing social security.

Mr. Kachinda said this deficiency in accessing social protection for workers in the Sub –Sahara Africa and Asia has caused a sharp contrast.

ISSA founded in 1927 under the auspices of the International Labour Organization promotes excellence in social security administration through professional guidelines, expert knowledge, services enables members to develop dynamic social security systems and policy throughout the world.

The 3-day regional workshop has attracted participants from Burundi, Rwanda, e-Swatini (formerly Swaziland), Madagascar, Seychelles, Zimbabwe and the host Zambia.