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) at its 30th Governing Council meeting on January 30 2026, at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.

In his acceptance speech, the Director General, who was elected unopposed, expressed his delight and appreciation for the confidence and honour reposed in him and pledged to work hard to promote social security at the regional, continental, and global levels.

According to the new Vice Chairman, social security in Africa faces challenges, including unregulated informal economies, limited coverage, inadequate funding, and the ongoing evolution of the global demographic landscape. He called on the ASSA to confront these challenges with optimism, saying, “Consider these challenges as an opportunity to innovate, collaborate and build systems that will serve the hearts of the African community”.

Daboh pledged his unwavering commitment to the Association and to the millions of Africans across the continent whose livelihoods depend on the success of social security systems. He challenged African leadership to accelerate digitisation, using technology to expand access and streamline administration. Looking ahead, the NASSIT strongman called on the ASSA to foster greater regional cooperation, share best practice, and develop harmonised approaches that reflect Africa’s unique realities.

Related News

He also encouraged African Social Security Systems to engage more deeply with the informal sector, finding innovative pathways to extend meaningful coverage to every worker and every family. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work hand in hand with you to change the pension landscape in Africa,” he concluded.

In his congratulatory message, the Secretary of the Africa Social Security Association, Meshech Bandawe, noted that the election of Mohamed Fuaad Daboh demonstrated his statesmanship, dedication and strong leadership at national, continental and global levels. He added that the transformation of the ASSA and the harmonisation of Social Security firmly rest on Daboh’s shoulders, particularly at a time when the substantive Chairman is indisposed. He assured the new Vice Chairman of their full support.

It is worth noting that the tremendous strides of Mohamed Fuaad Daboh have earned him several accolades from national and international partners. 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 (2020 – 2022), and in 2022, he was elected member of the Bureau of the International Social Security Association for a three-year term.

The Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) was established in March 2007 in Kigali, Rwanda, as the East and Central Africa Social Security Association (ECASSA), with a mandate to promote cooperation and the development of social security across East and Central Africa. In April 2023, at the 27th ECASSA Governing Council in Livingstone, the Council unanimously renamed ECASSA as ASSA. This change reflected an expanded continental focus, aiming to serve virtually the entire continent of Africa.

The official registration of ASSA took place on 18 July 2023 in Tanzania, with a mission to foster cooperation and promote the management and development of social security to deliver optimal benefits for stakeholders across Africa. The Africa Union has formally endorsed ASSA as a continental social security institution.