Sierra Leone’s National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding social security coverage, strengthening institutional cooperation and promoting sustainable investment through its participation in the inaugural Africa Social Security Summit, held from 29 to 30 October 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The high-level NASSIT delegation included the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Madam Jenneh Jabati, the Director General, Mr. Chernor Mamoud Jalloh, and senior management officials of the Trust.
Organised by the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA), the continental umbrella body for social security institutions, the landmark summit brought together policymakers, social security executives and industry experts under the theme “Harmonisation of Social Security Systems for Infrastructure and Economic Transformation in Africa.”
The discussions focused on some of Africa’s most pressing social protection challenges, including low social security coverage, particularly among informal sector workers; administrative inefficiencies; contribution compliance; inadequate benefit protection; and the portability of social security benefits across national borders.
Participants explored practical solutions, including digital innovation, flexible contribution arrangements, improved regulatory frameworks and stronger institutional collaboration to make social security systems more inclusive, efficient and sustainable.
NASSIT DG Champions Informal Sector Inclusion
A major highlight of the summit was the participation of NASSIT Director General, Mr. Chernor Mamoud Jalloh, as a panellist in a high-level discussion on “Expanding Social Security Coverage to the Informal Sector: Lessons and Experiences – Designing Demand-Driven Benefits and Leveraging Digital Platforms and Mobile Solutions to Formalise Contributions.”
Moderated by Mr. Timothy Mukoba, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Systech Limited, the session examined innovative approaches to extending social security protection to workers traditionally excluded from formal contributory schemes.
Discussions highlighted the importance of designing affordable and flexible social security arrangements that reflect the realities of informal employment, including irregular incomes and varying contribution capacities.
Particular attention was given to leveraging digital platforms and mobile payment solutions to simplify registration, facilitate contributions and improve access to benefits.
Mr. Jalloh’s participation placed Sierra Leone at the centre of a critical continental policy conversation on expanding social protection to millions of workers operating outside the formal economy.
The engagement was particularly relevant to NASSIT’s ongoing efforts to broaden social security participation, improve service delivery and strengthen the protection of workers across Sierra Leone.
Mobilising Africa’s Pension Assets for Development
Another major focus of the summit was the strategic role of social security institutions in financing Africa’s infrastructure and economic transformation.
With African pension assets collectively exceeding US$800 billion, participants examined opportunities to harmonise investment and regulatory frameworks to support responsible, long-term financing of critical infrastructure.
The discussions emphasised the need to balance development financing opportunities with prudent investment management, strong governance and the overriding responsibility to safeguard contributors’ funds.
For NASSIT, the engagement provided valuable insights into how social security investments can generate sustainable returns while contributing to national economic development.
NASSIT DG Concludes ASSA Vice Chairmanship
The summit also marked an important institutional transition within the ASSA Governing Council, as Mr. Chernor Mamoud Jalloh formally handed over the Vice Chairmanship held by Sierra Leone’s NASSIT Director General to the Director General of Côte d’Ivoire’s social security institution.
The position had been held by Sierra Leone through the office of the NASSIT Director General, with Mr. Jalloh assuming the responsibility following his appointment to lead the Trust.
The handover marked the conclusion of Sierra Leone’s tenure in that capacity and reflected the Association’s commitment to institutional continuity and cooperation among African social security organisations.
Strengthening Partnerships, Advancing National Priorities
Also participating in the summit were Mr. Jonathan Lamboi, NASSIT’s General Manager, Investment, and Mr. Cyril Jalloh, Acting General Manager, Informal Sector. Their participation reflected the strategic importance of investment sustainability and informal sector coverage to NASSIT’s institutional mandate.
The presence of Board Chairperson Madam Jenneh Jabati, Director General Mr. Chernor Mamoud Jalloh and senior management officials underscored the Trust’s commitment to engaging with continental partners, exchanging institutional experiences and identifying practical approaches to strengthening social security administration.
As Africa works towards more integrated and inclusive social protection systems, NASSIT remains focused on translating international cooperation into tangible improvements in social security coverage, operational efficiency, investment management and the protection of contributors and beneficiaries in Sierra Leone.
NASSIT – We Care!
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