By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mr. Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, has been elected Vice Chairman of the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) at the Association’s 30th Governing Council Meeting, held on January 30, 2026, at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
Mr. Daboh was elected unopposed. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude for the confidence and honour reposed in him and pledged to work diligently to advance social security development at regional, continental, and global levels.
He noted that social security systems across Africa continue to face significant challenges, including unregulated informal economies, limited coverage, inadequate funding, and the evolving global demographic landscape. He urged ASSA members to view these challenges as opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
“We must consider these challenges as opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and build systems that will truly serve the hearts of African communities,” he said.
The newly elected Vice Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to the Association and to the millions of Africans whose livelihoods depend on effective social security systems. He challenged African leadership to accelerate digitalization, leveraging technology to expand access, improve efficiency, and streamline administration.
Looking ahead, Mr. Daboh called on ASSA to strengthen regional cooperation, promote the sharing of best practices, and develop harmonized approaches that reflect Africa’s unique socio-economic realities. He also emphasized the need for deeper engagement with the informal sector, urging social security institutions to adopt innovative strategies to extend meaningful coverage to all workers and their families. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work hand in hand with you to transform the pension landscape in Africa,” he concluded.
In a congratulatory message, the Secretary of the Africa Social Security Association, Mr. Meshech Bandawe, described Mr. Daboh’s election as a testament to his statesmanship, dedication, and strong leadership at national, continental, and global levels. He noted that the ongoing transformation of ASSA and the harmonization of social security systems across Africa rest significantly on Mr. Daboh’s leadership, particularly at a time when the substantive Chairman is indisposed. Mr. Bandawe assured him of the Association’s full support.
Mr. Daboh’s election adds to a series of recognitions he has received for his outstanding contributions to social security development. 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). In 2022, he was elected a member of the Bureau of ISSA for another three-year term.
The Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) was established in March 2007 in Kigali, Rwanda, originally as the East and Central Africa Social Security Association (ECASSA), with a mandate to promote cooperation and social security development in East and Central Africa. In April 2023, during the 27th ECASSA Governing Council Meeting held in Livingstone, the Council unanimously resolved to rename the organization as ASSA, reflecting its expanded continental mandate.
ASSA was officially registered on July 18, 2023, in Tanzania, with a mission to foster cooperation and promote effective management and development of social security systems for optimal stakeholder benefits across Africa. The African Union has formally endorsed ASSA as a continental social security institution.
