NASSIT Joins Inaugural Africa Social Security Summit in Ethiopia
Sierra Leone’s National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has participated in the inaugural Africa Social Security Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where delegates discussed strategies to expand social security coverage, improve administration and mobilise pension funds for infrastructure development.
The two-day summit, held from 29 to 30 October 2026, was organised by the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) under the theme, “Harmonisation of Social Security Systems for Infrastructure and Economic Transformation in Africa.”
The event brought together policymakers, social security executives and industry experts to examine challenges affecting social protection systems across the continent, including limited coverage among informal sector workers, contribution compliance, benefit protection and the portability of social security benefits across national borders.
NASSIT’s delegation was led by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Madam Jenneh Jabati, and Director General Chernor Mamoud Jalloh, alongside other senior management officials.
During the summit, Mr Jalloh participated in a panel discussion on expanding social security coverage among informal sector workers. The session examined demand-driven benefits and the use of digital platforms and mobile payment solutions to facilitate registration and contributions.
Participants also discussed the need for affordable and flexible contribution arrangements that accommodate workers with irregular incomes and limited capacity to make regular payments. Digital technology was highlighted as a means of simplifying administrative processes and extending social security services to workers outside the formal economy.
These discussions align with NASSIT’s efforts to increase participation in Sierra Leone’s social security system and improve access to social protection for workers across different sectors.
The summit also examined the role of pension funds in financing infrastructure and economic development across Africa. Delegates explored opportunities to strengthen investment and regulatory frameworks while maintaining sound governance, prudent investment practices and the protection of contributors’ funds.
NASSIT’s participation provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with other social security institutions on investment management, service delivery and strategies for expanding coverage.
Another key moment was the handover of the ASSA Governing Council’s Vice Chairmanship by Mr Jalloh to the Director General of Côte d’Ivoire’s social security institution, marking the end of Sierra Leone’s tenure in the position.
Other members of the NASSIT delegation included Jonathan Lamboi, General Manager for Investment, and Cyril Jalloh, Acting General Manager for the Informal Sector.
The summit provided a platform for African social security institutions to discuss common challenges and explore approaches to strengthening social protection systems, with particular attention to expanding coverage, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the sustainable management of contributors’ funds.
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