Mwinyi calls for action on Africa’s social protection plans

ARUSHA: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has urged African social protection policymakers to ensure practical implementation of adopted action plans for the future of social protection and security funds across the continent.

His call came during the closing of the 14th African Social Protection Policy Makers conference, organised by the African Social Security Association (ASSA) over the weekend in Arusha.

“Africa has many commendable plans, but the real challenge lies in implementation,” Dr Mwinyi stated in a speech read on his behalf by Zanzibar’s First Vice-President, Mr Othman Masoud Othman.

He said to effectively shape and safeguard the future of Africa’s social protection and security funds, policymakers must lead by example and uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, responsibility and utility.

He urged ASSA member states to commit to eliminating or minimising obstacles that could hinder progress in implementing the adopted resolutions.

Dr Mwinyi also encouraged Tanzanian social security institutions, through the Tanzania Social Security Funds Association (TSSA), to continue supporting ASSA in fulfilling its responsibilities and achieving its strategic goals.

He acknowledged ASSA’s important role in fostering collaboration among African nations by sharing experiences, identifying gaps in social security systems and finding joint solutions to strengthen the continent’s social protection frameworks.

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Dr Mwinyi reaffirmed the Tanzanian government’s support for ASSA, including its commitment to ensuring the successful construction of the association’s permanent headquarters in Arusha.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, said the conference facilitated productive dialogue and helped solidify a collective commitment toward using infrastructure development as a foundation for inclusive growth and social protection in Africa.

Zanzibar’s Minister of State in the President’s Office for Finance and Planning, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, highlighted the importance of increased investment in Africa through pension funds.

She cited Zanzibar’s experience in financing infrastructure projects such as roads and airport terminals with the support of pension funds.

Following Tanzania’s official assumption of the ASSA chairmanship, the newly elected Chairperson, Mr Nassor Shaaban Ameir, expressed his gratitude to President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President, Dr Mwinyi for their continued support of social security institutions.

He pledged to provide strong leadership and foster cooperation among all member states to help ASSA achieve its objectives.