VP Mpango to open Pan-African Social Security Summit in Arusha

ARUSHA: VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Philip Mpango, is expected to officially open the 14th Africa Social Protection Policy-Makers Conference to be held in Arusha Region. Organised by the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA), the summit is scheduled for July 9–11, 2025 at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).

The event is jointly coordinated by Tanzania’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF), National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Workers’ Compensation Fund (WCF), Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) and Zanzibar Health and Social Security Fund (ZHSF).

Under the theme “Social Security Funds: A Catalyst for Infrastructure Development & Inclusive Socio-Economic Growth in Africa,” the conference aims to gather policymakers, sector administrators, infrastructure and finance ministers, parliamentary committees and stakeholders from 14 African countries (assa-africa.org).

In a media briefing held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, emphasised the role of the conference in fostering cross-continental collaboration.

“This conference brings together policymakers, administrators and practitioners from across Africa’s social protection sector to deliberate and resolve how it can significantly contribute to infrastructure development and social services,” said Minister Ridhiwani.

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He added that the conference will also serve as a forum to promote investment opportunities, especially in strategic projects in Tanzania, while enabling other countries to learn from Tanzania’s achievements in social protection reforms.

An initial ministersonly meeting, involving the portfolios of Social Protection, Finance and Infrastructure, will precede the general sessions. Discussions will include establishing an African Economic Development Fund through contributions from social security funds.

ASSA currently comprises social security funds from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Sudan, Comoros, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Gambia and Mali—all expected to participate in the conference.

According to Mr Ridhiwani, the event will be formally closed on July 11, 2025, by Zanzibar’s First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman. He called on the public and stakeholders in the social protection sector to participate actively.

“We invite citizens and sector partners to contribute to discussions on how African social security funds can play a transformative role in infrastructure and services—benefiting fund members and strengthening national economies.”