Extending social security access and portability to migrant workers and their families through selected RECs in Africa

The project aims to strengthen the capacities of Regional Economic Communities (ECOWAS, EAC and SADC) as well as the AUC to drive the implementation of regional social security frameworks for the extension of social protection to migrant workers and their families. The Project contributes to the implementation of the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) of the AUC.

Flyer

Main activities

 

Improved implementation of ECOWAS General Convention on Social Security by ECOWAS Member States

Based on the results of the ILO study “Analysis of ECOWAS Member States’ social security systems and their consistency with the ECOWAS General Convention on Social Security” carried out under the FMM project this project will focus on the implementation of the ECOWAS General Convention on Social Security, through: (1) Support to the establishment of the Committee of Experts for the ECOWAS General Convention; (2) Facilitation of annual technical and coordination meetings for representatives of social protection schemes and other relevant stakeholders; (3) Training of representatives of social protection schemes, funds and relevant national administrations on the provisions of the ECOWAS General Convention; (4) Development and dissemination of information leaflets or other communication tools on the principles and provisions of the General Convention on Social Security; and (5) Assess the feasibility to extend social protection coverage to migrant workers in the informal economy and develop and selectively test concrete policy proposals for a progressive extension to all.

SADC’s capacity and policy instruments on social protection provision, including portability or rights acquired in countries of origin, strengthened

This project will aid the implementation of the social protection related aspects of the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour, and the SADC Policy Framework on Portability of Social Security benefits through the following activities: (1) Formal launch and validation of the activities foreseen; (2) Assessment proposal and support of pilot implementation of policy and programmatic options for the three SADC pilot countries for distinct economic sectors; (3) Development of suitable administrative arrangements and management systems to support a regional social protection regime; including training material; (4) Facilitation of coordination technical and consultation meetings and consultations with social partners; (5) Support to the establishment of an Independent Committee of Experts within the relevant SADC structures; and (6) Support the implementation of the SADC policy framework in the three pilot countries.

EAC’s capacity and knowledge base enhanced to advance the regional coordination and protection framework as per Common Market Protocol to improve migrant workers access to social protection.

Building on the achievements of previous projects, this project will pursue the following activities: (1) Conduct a baseline desk review of social protection laws and policies challenges and opportunities, and suggest required steps for supporting the finalisation of a multilateral social protection instrument; (2) Facilitate regional dialogue and consultations to agree on a roadmap; (3) Conduct a feasibility study, including on actuarial and financial issues, assessing the implications of concluding a multilateral social protection instrument; and (4) Provide technical, legal and actuarial advisory services to a selected number of EAC Partner States.

Improved capacity of the AUC, RECs and regional social partners to effectively coordinate and contribute to regional and sub-regional social protection programmes for migrant worker in both the formal and informal economy  through: (1) Support of the AUC to promote south-south cooperation, create a community of practices, and support intra-RECs technical cooperation, including through a high-level international conference; (2) Building the capacity of the AUC, selected RECs and regional and sub-regional social partners; and (3) Initiating the systematic collection and analysis of statistical information, amongst others, to inform policy making and support AU member states monitor progress made towards the achievement of relevant SDG target.

Key resources and materials

SADC

SADC workshop report, Namibia, May 2018

TOR of the SADC Troika ad hoc working group

Report of the SADC ad hoc ELS Troika meeting, 3-4 September 2018

Conclusion of the SADC ELS Troika Meeting, Manzini, Swaziland, 13-14 December 2017

EAC

EAC Meeting of Social Security Experts on the Co-ordination of Social Security Systems within an EAC Common Market, Kampala, Uganda, 11-13 June 2018

ECOWAS

ECOWAS General Convention on Social Security, 2013 (French and English)

Draft Report of the ECOWAS workshop on the ECOWAS General Convention on Social Security, Lomé, Togo, 9-11 May 2018  and Agenda

ToR Committee of Experts on Social Security of the ECOWAS General Convention on Social Security

ToR Development of training modules on the ECOWAS General Convention on Social Security