NASSIT Bolsters Africa’s Social Security Agenda As DG Jalloh Champions Informal Sector Inclusion
One of the major highlights of the summit was the participation of NASSIT Director General, Mr. Chernor Mamoud Jalloh, as a panellist in a high-level session examining ways to extend social security protection to workers in the informal economy.
The discussion, titled “Expanding Social Security Coverage to the Informal Sector: Lessons and Experiences – Designing Demand-Driven Benefits and Leveraging Digital Platforms and Mobile Solutions to Formalise Contributions,” focused on innovative approaches to reaching workers who remain outside conventional social security arrangements.
Moderated by Mr. Timothy Mukoba, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Systech Limited, the session explored how affordable contribution packages, flexible payment arrangements and demand-driven benefits could make social security more accessible to informal sector operators.
Particular emphasis was placed on the use of digital platforms and mobile payment systems to simplify registration, facilitate regular contributions and improve access to social security services.
Mr. Jalloh’s contribution provided an important opportunity for Sierra Leone to share its institutional perspectives and engage with other African social security leaders on practical strategies for addressing the coverage gap.
His participation also reinforced NASSIT’s commitment to broadening participation in the national social security scheme, improving service delivery and extending protection to a wider segment of the working population.
Beyond expanding coverage, the summit examined the growing potential of social security institutions to support Africa’s infrastructure development and broader economic transformation.
With African pension assets collectively estimated at more than US$800 billion, discussions centred on how these resources could be strategically deployed to finance critical infrastructure while maintaining the financial security of contributors and beneficiaries.
Delegates stressed the importance of responsible investment practices, sound governance, effective risk management and harmonised regulatory frameworks in ensuring that pension funds generate sustainable returns.
For NASSIT, the discussions offered valuable opportunities to explore investment approaches that can deliver long-term financial benefits to contributors while supporting Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
The summit also witnessed an important leadership transition within the ASSA Governing Council, as Mr. Chernor Mamoud Jalloh formally handed over the Vice Chairmanship previously held by Sierra Leone to the Director General of Côte d’Ivoire’s social security institution.
Sierra Leone had occupied the position through the office of the NASSIT Director General, with Mr. Jalloh assuming the responsibility following his appointment to lead the Trust.
The transition marked the end of Sierra Leone’s tenure in the leadership position and underscored the importance of continuity, collaboration and shared responsibility among social security institutions across Africa.
Other members of the Sierra Leonean delegation included Mr. Jonathan Lamboi, General Manager, Investment, and Mr. Cyril Jalloh, Acting General Manager, Informal Sector.
Their participation reflected the strategic importance NASSIT attaches to investment sustainability and the expansion of social security coverage beyond the formal employment sector.
The presence of the Board Chairperson, Director General and senior management team demonstrated the Trust’s commitment to international engagement, institutional learning and the adoption of innovative approaches to social security administration.
As African countries intensify efforts to build more inclusive and sustainable social protection systems, NASSIT is expected to draw on the experiences and policy recommendations shared at the summit to strengthen its operations and advance its national mandate.
The engagement further positions Sierra Leone within the broader continental conversation on pension protection, financial sustainability, institutional cooperation and the need to ensure that more workers benefit from social security.
