By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, has been elected Vice Chairman of the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA), marking a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s representation in continental social security governance. His election took place during ASSA’s 30th Governing Council meeting held on 30 January 2026 at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
Mr Daboh was elected unopposed, a development widely interpreted as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership, experience, and growing influence within Africa’s social security landscape. His new role places him at the centre of policy direction and institutional reform for social protection systems across the continent at a time when Africa is grappling with both structural and demographic transitions.
In his acceptance remarks, the NASSIT Director General expressed deep appreciation to ASSA member institutions for the trust and honour bestowed upon him. He described his election as both humbling and motivating, pledging to work diligently to advance the objectives of the Association at regional, continental, and global levels. He reaffirmed his belief that social security remains a critical pillar for inclusive development, economic stability, and social cohesion across Africa.
Mr Daboh acknowledged that social security systems on the continent face persistent and complex challenges. Among these, he highlighted the dominance of unregulated informal economies, limited coverage of working populations, inadequate funding mechanisms, and the evolving global demographic landscape marked by ageing populations and changing labour patterns. Rather than viewing these obstacles as setbacks, he urged ASSA members to embrace them as opportunities for innovation and reform.
“Let us consider these challenges as an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and build systems that will serve the hearts of the African community,” he said. He stressed that optimism, adaptability, and collective action must guide the continent’s response to emerging social protection demands.
The new Vice Chairman pledged his unwavering commitment to the Association and to the millions of Africans whose livelihoods depend on effective and sustainable social security systems. He challenged African social security institutions to accelerate digitisation, noting that technology remains one of the most powerful tools for expanding access, improving efficiency, and strengthening transparency. According to him, digital platforms can help streamline administration, reduce costs, and bring previously excluded populations into formal social protection schemes.
Looking ahead, Mr Daboh called for deeper regional cooperation and stronger knowledge-sharing among African social security institutions. He advocated for the adoption of harmonised approaches that reflect Africa’s unique socio-economic realities, while allowing flexibility for national contexts. He further urged members to engage more meaningfully with the informal sector, which employs a significant proportion of Africa’s workforce, by developing innovative pathways to extend meaningful coverage to workers and their families.
“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work hand in hand with you to change the pension landscape in Africa,” he concluded, drawing applause from delegates.
In a congratulatory message, ASSA Secretary, Meshech Bandawe, described Mr Daboh’s election as a clear demonstration of his statesmanship, dedication, and strong leadership credentials at national, continental, and global levels. He noted that the ongoing transformation of ASSA and the drive toward harmonised social security systems rest significantly on Mr Daboh’s shoulders, particularly at a time when the substantive Chairman is indisposed. He assured the Vice Chairman of the full support of the Secretariat and member institutions.
Mr Daboh’s election adds to a growing list of national and international recognitions. In January 2020, he was appointed Vice-Chairperson of the Technical Commission on Investment of Social Security Funds of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) for a three-year term, and in 2022, he was elected a member of the ISSA Bureau for another three-year term.
Established in March 2007 in Kigali as the East and Central Africa Social Security Association (ECASSA), ASSA has since evolved into a fully continental institution. Renamed in April 2023 and officially registered in July 2023 in Tanzania, ASSA is now formally endorsed by the African Union as Africa’s continental social security body.
Mr Daboh’s elevation reinforces Sierra Leone’s growing influence in continental policy spaces and reaffirms NASSIT’s commitment to advancing social protection for all.
NASSIT, we care!
