Extending Social Security Coverage in Africa

Book excerpt: Africa is the continent where the greatest proportion of the population does not have access to adequate health care and where the incidence of infant mortality is highest. These are only some of the social risks and adversities being faced in day to day life, but Africa is also the continent where the coverage of social security is at its lowest. Why is this? There is a clear deficit between social security needs and the capacity to meet those needs. And social security schemes have, in most countries, been unsuccessful in reducing this deficit. Many of these schemes are based on concepts, procedures and priorities which were imported by the former colonial powers. Many are aimed at providing social security to formal sector workers who already benefit from a higher level of support. Yet the extension of these schemes to the workers in the informal economy has had limited impact. This paper traces the development of social security in the continent and the links with colonial systems and concepts. It also identifies the elements which influence the development of social security and it highlights some country experiences which illustrate some level of success. The need for effective social security schemes which are both sustainable and relevant to social needs is now being pursued vigorously and has resulted in greater priority being given to on the one hand the participation of the social partners, and on the other hand to innovative approaches. The latter often involve community based initiatives which draw on African traditions of kinship and shared support. In this context, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its tripartite constituents want to support the development of social security and has launched the Global Campaign on Social Security and Coverage for All in Africa.