ECOWAS boosts social protection with 'TRANSFORM' workshop in Abuja
ECOWAS is strengthening its social protection systems through a 5-day workshop in Abuja.
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The workshop, which started from September 16, 2024, will end today, Friday, September 20, 2024.
The workshop, led by experts in collaboration with the TRANSFORM hub affiliated to the ILO, FAO, UNICEF, and the African WFP, aims to build a network of skilled social protection leaders across West Africa. It follows a system-strengthening approach to enhance the design and efficiency of social systems.
The workshop focuses on increasing the capacity of ECOWAS staff, to implement the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan effectively while fostering collaboration among social protection actors within the region.
It represents a critical step toward building an inclusive social protection in West Africa, positioning ECOWAS to address broader socio-economic challenges.
The ongoing workshop comes less than a year after the landmark validation of the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan in November 2023.
At that time, social protection experts and ministers from ECOWAS member states gathered to endorse the framework, marking a historic moment for the region.
This document was later recommended to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers for adoption by social protection ministers. The Framework and its Operational Plan was subsequently adopted during the 92nd Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
The ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan holds the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing member states in the design and implementation of social protection programs. Notably, it aims to tackle critical issues such as financing, coverage gaps, and coordination—challenges that have long hindered the region's ability to provide comprehensive social safety nets for its citizens.
In her opening remarks, the ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa–Ugbe represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, P.P.O, Law Enforcement (Drugs) emphasised the vital role of improved social protection systems in Africa’s broader fight against poverty. S
he highlighted how strengthening these systems directly supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms.
Specifically, the framework aligns with SDG target 1.3, which calls for the establishment of nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
