The Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP) convened an online learning regional meeting on 6th March 2025, on the theme: Social Protection for Informal Workers in Humanitarian Settings. The meeting aimed to spotlight the vulnerabilities of informal workers across Central Africa particularly during crises such as conflict, pandemics and natural disasters. These workers, who form the backbone of regional economies, remain largely excluded from formal social protection systems.

The meeting brought together diverse voices—government officials, trade unionists, grassroots leaders, and informal worker representatives; to unpack the daily struggles of informal workers, including lack of health insurance, maternity protection, legal safeguards and mounting mental health challenges.

Key Presentations

• Dr. Boniface Deagbo: Emphasized the pervasive nature of informality in the DRC and proposed policy and administrative reforms to support informal workers through resilience-building and local credit access.

• Ms. Ngakeni Mireille: Shared government initiatives to expand legal protections and services for vulnerable groups including women and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

• Mr. Bissohong Bissohong Benoît: Emphasized trade unions’ roles in relief efforts and advocacy, and the importance of mental health for informal workers.

• Ms. Renatte Bongonda: Shared lived experiences, calling for protection mechanisms tailored to informal women workers and PWDs.

Key Recommendations

• Recognize informal workers in national policy frameworks.

• Strengthen grassroots groups and unions for advocacy.

• Tailor humanitarian responses to informal sector needs.

• Address gender and disability-specific vulnerabilities.

• Simplify legal barriers to formalization.

• Promote youth innovation via zero-interest credit.

• Leverage digital technology for access and outreach.

The meeting emphasized the urgent need for inclusive, adaptable social protection systems for informal workers, especially in times of crisis. Key solutions included simplifying processes, formalizing informal work, and establishing a Social Protection Fund. Technology, advocacy, and regional collaboration were highlighted as essential tools for strengthening protections, with calls for further research and digital skills training to build a more resilient and secure informal workforce.

The Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP) convened an online learning meeting for its West Africa region on 5th March 2025 on the theme: Future of Work, Social Protection, Informal Workers and Digitalization. The meeting, which was attended by government representatives, trade unions, international organizations and civil societies across West Africa, aimed to address the urgent need to adapt social protection systems to the rapidly changing world of work, particularly for informal workers who constitute more than 80% of the region's labor force.

The meeting featured insightful presentations from speakers across the region:

• Mr. Gabriel Fernandez: Highlighted legal, structural, and economic barriers to social protection and called for policy innovation and inclusive registration systems tailored to informal workers’ needs.

• Mr. Emmanuel Danjuma: Emphasized the need to "future-proof" social protection systems amid labor market transformations driven by digitalization and platform economies.

• Mr. Elom Gbati : Addressed the intersection of technological disruption, youth unemployment, and climate change, calling for robust public investment in education, inclusion, and green jobs.

• Mr. Elimane Diouf: Advocated for stronger policy coordination and use of digital platforms to enhance visibility and efficiency in social protection delivery.

Participants also explored topics such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social protection, the need for national-level ratification of relevant frameworks including the African Union Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security and the role of social dialogue and education in preparing for the future of work.

Key Recommendations

1. Amend labor laws to cover informal and non-standard workers, enabling self-registration and inclusion of new work categories.

2. Simplify registration for informal workers by reducing bureaucracy, enabling group enrollments, and integrating assistance schemes.

3. Leverage emerging technologies—including AI and digital ID systems—to adapt to the evolving labor landscape.

4. Invest in research and education to shape inclusive, climate-responsive, and tech-enabled social protection systems.

The meeting provided informative insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding Future of work, Social Protection, Informal Workers and Digitalization in West Africa. The discussions highlighted the need for inclusive and adaptable social protection systems, the importance of leveraging technology and the role of regional partnerships in addressing the needs of informal workers. It was emphasized that proactive measures such as amending labor laws, simplifying registration systems, and promoting digital tools are essential to expanding coverage and ensuring that no worker is left behind.

The Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP) convened an online dialogue meeting on 29th October 2024 on the theme:Climate Change, Social Protection, Digitalization and Effects on Informal Workers in Africa. The meeting brought together a broad network of stakeholders to explore the critical nexus between climate change, digitalization and social protection in Africa. With a focus on informal workers—the backbone of Africa's workforce—the meeting emphasized the urgent need to build climate-resilient and inclusive social protection systems.

Presentation Highlights:

Opening Context

Mr. Samuel Obara set the tone by highlighting how climate shocks disproportionately affect informal workers through displacement, health risks, and income instability. He emphasized the potential of digitalization to strengthen social protection, particularly in early warning systems, data management, and inclusive service delivery.

Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)

• Ms. Jessica Mwanzia underscored that rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns are threatening livelihoods across Africa, especially in agriculture where informal workers dominate. She stressed the need to realign underfunded social protection systems, expand digital infrastructure, and build adaptive policies to reduce vulnerability.

Uganda Government Representative

• Mr. Zephaniah Ogen shared Uganda’s approach to integrating climate change adaptation within social protection, including the implementation of Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) programs for community-based resilience. He emphasized digital tools in service delivery and the risks associated with poor digital literacy and data privacy.

Mozambique Youth Representative – Association of University Finalist Students of Mozambique (AEFUM)

• Ms. Leticia Meque advocated for youth inclusion in climate action, climate literacy, and climate-resilient livelihood initiatives. She highlighted how youth-led advocacy, digital platforms, and inclusive policy design can drive sustainability and resilience across sectors.

Key Recommendations

1. Formalize the informal sector through simplified registration and access to credit and social security.

2. Enhance digital literacy among vulnerable groups to promote inclusion in digital protection systems.

3. Expand infrastructure and digital platforms to be more accessible, especially to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

4. Mainstream social protection in climate change discussions and policies.

5. Strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration—government, NGOs, labor groups, and youth networks—for joint action.

6. Advocate for inclusive social protection policies that reflect the realities of informal workers.

7. Support youth-led climate resilience and advocacy programs.

The meeting underscored that Africa’s informal workforce is at the front-line of climate change risks—yet remains under-protected. Building climate-resilient, inclusive, and digitally enabled social protection systems is no longer optional; it is a necessity. As extreme weather patterns increase and digital tools become central to public service delivery, Africa must invest in bold, coordinated, and inclusive strategies that protect its most vulnerable. The future of work, the environment, and equity are interconnected and Africa must act now.

The Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP) organised an high-level online meeting for it's East Africa region which brought together East Africa Community (EAC) regional social protection actors to review the status of the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security, share experiences from member countries, explore the impact of digitalization on social protection delivery and set priority focus areas for the region.

The meeting discussions centered around:

Status of the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security

• Several countries in the East Africa region reported on making notable progress towards promoting the ratification of the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security, with some securing high-level government clearance to proceed.

Country Reflections on AU Protocol Ratification

• Participants shared national-level experiences, emphasizing the need for increased awareness, streamlined coordination, and collaboration with civil societies and development partners to advance ratification.

Digitalization of Social Protection

• Participants reported that digital technologies have contributed to enhanced data management, increased transparency, and more efficient delivery of social protection services. At the same time, concerns were noted regarding digital exclusion, particularly affecting rural populations, older persons, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and marginalized groups. These challenges are largely attributed to infrastructure limitations, high internet costs, and the absence of inclusive digital solutions.

Key Focus Areas for the Region:

• Participants identified climate change, food security, child protection, informal employment, and youth unemployment as emerging areas to integrate into social protection strategies.
• The importance of advocacy, research, policy reform, and inclusive financing was echoed across country presentations.

The meeting  provided a critical platform for regional stakeholders to assess progress, share national experiences, and chart a way forward for advancing social protection in East Africa. Discussions underscored the growing momentum toward the ratification of the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security, while also highlighting the transformative potential and risks of digitalization in service delivery.

To build on this momentum, participants emphasized the need to intensify awareness campaigns and multistakeholder engagement, particularly to fast-track protocol ratification. Aligning digitalization efforts with principles of inclusion—especially for marginalized groups and persons with disabilities—was strongly recommended. Simplifying legal and policy frameworks, enhancing collaboration with other advocacy networks, and investing in capacity-building, research, and climate-responsive approaches were also identified as critical to achieving sustainable and inclusive social protection systems in the region.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue regional dialogue, advocacy, and coordinated action toward a more inclusive and resilient social protection landscape across East Africa.

A high-level meeting was organized by Africa platform for Social Protection (APSP) for its Southern Africa Region on 24th September 2024. The online meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) to share country-level experiences on the ratification of critical AU Protocols, including the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security and the African Disability Protocol. The meeting also explored the role of digitalization in transforming social protection delivery across the continent.

The meeting discussions focused on the following key areas:

Experience Sharing on the Ratification of the African Disability Protocol

• Sight Savers presented insights from their "#Ratify ADP" campaign, highlighting successful ratification in Malawi, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. They shared their strategies which involved collaboration with ministries, national disability organizations, and media. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning efforts across disability, social protection, and aging protocols to maximize impact for vulnerable populations.

Status of the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security:

Country updates indicated progress and challenges:

• • Stakeholder engagement is ongoing in some countries, with parliamentary meetings already held.

  • Election timelines and bureaucratic delays have slowed momentum in others.

  • Ministries and civil society are working to align policy development and advocacy to push for full ratification and deposit of instruments with the African Union.

Digitalization of Social Protection in Africa:

• The session highlighted both opportunities and risks in the digital shift. While digital systems can enhance efficiency, inclusion, and accountability, participants noted barriers such as the rural-urban tech divide, lack of affordable devices, and inadequate digital literacy. Emphasis was placed on user-centered design and strengthening data protection laws.

The meeting highlighted the critical interconnectedness of continental protocols and the transformative role of digital systems in enhancing social protection, particularly when implemented through inclusive and equitable approaches. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained advocacy, strategic collaboration, and resource-sharing to accelerate the ratification and implementation of AU protocols within the Southern Africa region.

To build on this momentum, participants recommended aligning ratification efforts across related protocols, such as those on disability, older persons, and social protection; to maximize collective impact. Strengthening partnerships with national organizations and ministries was emphasized as essential to bolstering campaign strategies. Additionally, prioritizing digital literacy and the inclusive design of social protection systems will be key to ensuring accessibility for all. Finally, the development of robust legal frameworks was advised to protect data privacy and address emerging cyber threats.

The Zimbabwe parliament is actively advocating for the signing and ratification of the African Union (AU) Protocol on Social Security and Social Protection to enhance Zimbabwe’s social protection programs. During a recent engagement between parliament and various stakeholders, a consensus was reached on the urgent need to ratify this protocol to bolster the nation’s social protection systems.

Dr. Tavengwa Nhongo, Executive Director of the Platform for Social Protection (APSP), highlighted the significance of this move. He pointed out that if Zimbabwe ratifies the protocol, it would be the first African country to do so, setting a historic precedent. Dr. Nhongo emphasized that ratification would provide clear guidelines for aligning national legislation with international standards, thereby significantly improving the country’s social security framework.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Hon. Dorothy Mashonganyika, also acknowledged the importance of ratification. She noted that aligning Zimbabwe’s laws with regional and international norms through this protocol would enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, including the disabled, elderly, and less privileged.

The media’s role in promoting the ratification of the AU protocol was also highlighted during the engagement. Mr. Ian Zvoma, News Editor at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, stressed the need for extensive media coverage to raise public awareness about the protocol. He underscored the media’s critical function as a watchdog and its vital role in advocating for social protection measures.

The AU Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Protection is a comprehensive document aimed at improving social welfare and economic stability across Africa. Adopted by the African Union Heads of State and Government in February 2022, ratifying this protocol would not only strengthen Zimbabwe’s social protection programs but also align the country with broader regional and international efforts to enhance social security.

SOURCE: Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

The Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP), took part in a high-level consultative meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia, on September 11, 2023, to promote the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security. The meeting was organized by the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) in collaboration with the APSP and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. This brought about key stakeholders from the Social Protection sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships in Zambia’s Social Protection systems.

The Document’s Purpose and COVID-19’s Influence

The Protocol, which was adopted by the 54 AU member states aims to legally ensure citizens’ rights to Social Protection and Social Security. This will help AU member states in shaping their Social Protection policies. The COVID-19 pandemic speeded up its adoption, making it crucial for Zambia to focus on its ratification at the national level and collaborating with the government, to support its domestication to create responsive Social Protection systems for all Zambians; with the acknowledgment that around 65% of vulnerable populations are already receiving social protection services.

Key Recommendations for Progress

It was established that, for the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security to make significant progress and for Zambia to be a role model for other AU member states, there was the need for:-

1. Assessment of Progress: Relevant ministries in Zambia to assess the current status of the adopted AU Protocol and carefully review it to make informed decisions.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: The Ministry to organize meetings with experts and officials to discuss practical steps regarding the document. A technical committee to be established to lead the ratification process, followed by a dialogue meeting with the government.
3. Involvement of Civil Society: CSPR will lead efforts to identify and gather stakeholders with expertise in Social Protection. They will develop terms of reference for the document, with support from the Ministry of Justice and engage with other stakeholders and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
4. Policy Alignment: The National Social Protection Policy to incorporate principles and measures from the document. Stakeholder consultations on Zambia’s draft Social Protection policy will be held to consider suggestions for inclusion in the final policy document.
5. Active Participation: All stakeholders are encouraged to actively participate in the promotion of the signing and ratification of the protocol, despite minimal budget allocation. CSPR will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in discussions about the document.

The Path Forward Through Collaboration.

During the consultative meeting, the participants emphasized on the importance of ratifying the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security by the government of Zambia.
The meeting pinpointed several specific actions that needed to be taken, which were stakeholder involvement, policy alignment, evaluation and promotion of active participation to drive the ratification process and establish efficient Social Protection systems for the benefit of the people of Zambia.
It was also agreed that accomplishing this objective necessitates the cooperation of the government, civil society and other stakeholders.