Director General of Sierra Leone's National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Chernor Mamoud Jalloh, has concluded his tenure as Vice Chairman of the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) Governing Council. He handed over the position to the Director General of Côte d'Ivoire's social security institution at the inaugural Africa Social Security Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit, held from 29 to 30 October 2026, was organised by ASSA under the theme "Harmonisation of Social Security Systems for Infrastructure and Economic Transformation in Africa."
The Africa Social Security Summit brought together policymakers, social security executives, and industry experts to discuss strategies for strengthening social protection systems across Africa. Mr Jalloh attended the summit alongside NASSIT Board of Trustees Chairperson, Madam Jenneh Jabati, and other senior management officials. The gathering provided a platform for African social security institutions to share experiences and explore common approaches to improving social protection.
During the summit, Mr Jalloh participated in a panel discussion focused on expanding social security coverage among informal sector workers. Discussions examined how demand-driven benefits, digital platforms, and mobile payment solutions could improve registration and contribution collection among workers outside the formal economy. Participants highlighted the importance of affordable and flexible contribution arrangements that accommodate workers with irregular incomes.
The summit also addressed the role of pension funds in financing infrastructure and economic development across the continent. Delegates discussed investment and regulatory frameworks, with emphasis on sound governance, prudent investment practices, and the protection of contributors' funds. NASSIT's participation provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with other African social security institutions on expanding coverage and improving service delivery.
Other members of the Sierra Leone delegation included Jonathan Lamboi, General Manager for Investment, and Cyril Jalloh, Acting General Manager for the Informal Sector. The handover of the ASSA Governing Council's Vice Chairmanship marked the end of Sierra Leone's tenure in the position. The summit provided a platform for African social security institutions to strengthen cooperation and explore common approaches to improving social protection.
The Africa Social Security Summit was organised under the theme "Harmonisation of Social Security Systems for Infrastructure and Economic Transformation in Africa." The theme reflects the importance of harmonising social security systems to support infrastructure and economic development across the continent. Delegates discussed ways to strengthen social protection systems and improve service delivery.
The handover of the ASSA Vice Chairmanship and the summit demonstrated Sierra Leone's commitment to regional cooperation and social protection. The event provided a valuable opportunity for African social security institutions to share experiences and best practices in expanding coverage, improving service delivery, and strengthening investment management.
Key points
- NASSIT Director General Chernor Mamoud Jalloh hands over ASSA Vice Chairmanship to Côte d'Ivoire's social security institution DG.
- The inaugural Africa Social Security Summit was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 29 to 30 October 2026.
- The summit discussed strategies for strengthening social protection systems, expanding coverage, and improving service delivery across Africa.
