NASSIT seeks Egyptian partnership to extend social security to informal workers

On June 3, 2026, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, the Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), urged strategic collaboration with the Egyptian Embassy in Freetown to expand social security coverage to Sierra Leone’s vast informal sector. Daboh pointed out that nearly 90% of the active labour force consists of small-scale market traders, artisans, drivers, and farmers who do not receive retirement or invalidity benefits.

Addressing Ambassador Rasha Soliman Mohi Eldin Soliman, he referred to social security as a fundamental human right and stated that expanding legal safety nets beyond formal employment is critical to Sierra Leone’s long-term economic resilience. Daboh stated that the Informal Sector Project has received Cabinet approval, and that a draft bill is now with the Law Officers’ Department for review before being submitted to Parliament. He added that NASSIT is working with international partners to strengthen the implementation framework and hopes that diplomatic support from Egypt will aid in the adaptation of modern social protection strategies to the local context.
Ambassador Soliman expressed a strong commitment to bilateral cooperation, offering technical exchanges, capacity development, and advisory support that are consistent with Sierra Leone’s national development strategy. She emphasised Egypt’s demand-driven approach, as well as practical knowledge sharing, vocational collaboration, and social security staff training. “Egypt will provide capacity development and technical advisory services to help Sierra Leone’s future informal pension scheme become a regional success story,” she stated.
Daboh was accompanied by the Deputy Director General in charge of Operations, who chairs the Informal Sector Technical Committee, and Victor Immanuel Samai, Director General’s Executive Assistant and member of the Informal Sector Secretariat.