Social Security Infrastructure Key to Inclusive Growth – African Leaders at ASSA Conference
African policymakers have emphasized the urgent need to leverage social security funds as a catalyst for infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth. This call was made during the official opening of the 14th Africa Social Protection Policy Makers’ Conference held in Arusha, Tanzania under the theme “Social Security Funds: A Catalyst for Infrastructure Development and Inclusive Socio-Economic Growth in Africa.”
Delivering a speech on behalf of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango urged African nations to prioritize the creation of robust social security infrastructure to drive sustainable economic development.
President Hassan emphasized that effective social security systems provide a safety net that empowers citizens to actively participate in productive economic activities.
Central to the discussions was the proposed Social Security Infrastructure Development Fund, which seeks to channel contributions from national social security schemes into high-impact infrastructure projects across Africa. The initiative is expected to help bridge the continent’s critical infrastructure financing gap, currently estimated between USD 68 billion and USD 108 billion annually, according to the African Development Bank.
President Hassan also called on policy makers to focus on financing rural infrastructure to boost local economies and reduce rural-to-urban migration, while stressing the importance of investing in financially viable projects to avoid potential losses.
Speaking during the event, Zambia’s National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) Director General Muyangwa Muyangwa, who also serves as Chairman of the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA), reiterated the association’s commitment to building responsive and inclusive social security systems.
He announced plans for a continental Infrastructure Investment Fund, to be established through a ministerial dialogue at the conference.
“As a continental body, ASSA is dedicated to ensuring ‘Social Security for All’ remains central to our work,” said Mr. Muyangwa. “We aim to support member states in formulating policies that directly improve the lives of African citizens.”
Mr. Muyangwa also appealed to the Tanzanian Government to facilitate the association’s recognition by the African Union (AU) and regional blocs such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC).
He further requested land for constructing a permanent ASSA headquarters that would include a training institute and rental office space, built at a moderate cost.
Representing Zambia’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga led the Zambian delegation. Other notable Zambian delegates included Anthony Dumingu, Director for Social Security; Pindani Nyirenda, CEO of the Public Service Pensions Fund; and Patrick Siampwili, CEO of the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board.
Zambia’s labour movement was also well represented by Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Blake Mulala and Secretary General Joy Beene, along with other senior government officials and social partners.
