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
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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.
