By Victor Ahiuma-Young
The International Labour Organization, ILO, has raised fresh concerns over widening poverty levels in sub-Saharan Africa, warning that weak social protection systems are leaving millions of people vulnerable to economic shocks and deepening inequality.
Speaking at a high-level event in Brussels, the organisation stressed that closing social protection gaps across the region is critical to reducing poverty, tackling inequality, and managing transitions in an increasingly volatile global environment.
An unidentified ILO Deputy Director noted that extending social protection coverage remains an urgent global challenge, with access still far from universal.
According to the organisation, fewer than one in five people in Africa currently benefit from any form of social protection, exposing a vast majority of the population to hardship.
The ILO identified three major challenges hindering progress: inadequate coverage, poor funding, and the pressures of rapid economic and environmental changes. It pointed out that the high level of informality in sub-Saharan Africa’s labour market continues to exclude millions of workers from formal protection systems.
To address these gaps, the organisation advocated making social protection coverage mandatory by law, arguing that legal and administrative reforms are necessary to include underserved and informal sector workers.
Funding constraints were also highlighted as a major obstacle, with many African countries facing significant annual financing gaps relative to their Gross Domestic Product. However, the ILO maintained that investing in social protection yields economic benefits, noting that every additional dollar invested can boost GDP within a few years.
The organisation further warned that emerging global challenges such as climate change and digitalisation could worsen poverty levels if not matched with strong and inclusive protection systems. It stressed that robust social safety nets are essential for helping communities withstand shocks and adapt to change.
Despite the challenges, the ILO acknowledged growing international momentum to expand coverage, with some countries already meeting set annual targets. It said it continues to support these efforts through technical assistance, integrated policy frameworks, and strategic partnerships that link social protection with employment and climate policies.
The Brussels meeting also saw the launch of a new collaborative initiative involving the ILO, development agencies, and the European Commission, aimed at strengthening social protection systems across sub-Saharan Africa through coordinated national and regional strategies.
The ILO deputy director concluded by calling for collective action from governments, development partners, and stakeholders, stressing that achieving universal social protection must be fully integrated into development planning and financing strategies.
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