Innovative, Inclusive, and Afrocentric Social Protection in Africa Leveraging Voices and Representation in the era of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 provided a natural experiment for critically reviewing the place and purpose of social protection interventions in Africa and across the world. Emerging evidence shows that social protection can effectively address poverty and vulnerability on a global scale.

Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as limited coverage, inequity, and fragmentation persist, particularly within the African context. Addressing these issues requires continuous dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, grassroots leaders, non-state actors, and policymakers. Such engagement is essential for reflecting on the design, delivery, sustainability, and accountability of social protection measures in ways that align with African indigenous knowledge, values, and aspirations.

This conference aims to foster a constructive environment that leverages the voices and representation of all actors to progressively refine existing social protection frameworks in Africa and articulate a post-COVID-19 social protection agenda for the continent.