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
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Formalize the informal sector through simplified registration and access to credit and social security.
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Enhance digital literacy among vulnerable groups to promote inclusion in digital protection systems.
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Expand infrastructure and digital platforms to be more accessible, especially to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
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Mainstream social protection in climate change discussions and policies.
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Strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration—government, NGOs, labor groups, and youth networks—for joint action.
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Advocate for inclusive social protection policies that reflect the realities of informal workers.
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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.
