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| The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Philip Mpango, is pictured alongside representatives from various African nations participating in the 14th International Conference of Policy Makers in the Social Security Sector in Africa, taking place at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) on July 10, 2025. |
The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Philip Mpango, has said that while Social Security Funds in Africa are utilized for investing in infrastructure development, it is crucial to ensure that the contributions from members, which are set aside as a safeguard against economic and social upheavals and to combat poverty, remain sufficient to meet the fundamental objectives of their establishment.
The Vice President made this call during the opening of the 14th International Conference of Social Security Policy Makers in Africa, held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).
"There is a need for careful investment in infrastructure projects, as those that are unfeasible could undermine the ability of Social Security Funds to fulfill their responsibilities." he emphasized .
Additionally, the Vice President highlighted the importance of taking precautions to avoid poorly designed projects that are excessively costly or overly complex, which are difficult to manage and do not meet the needs of the beneficiaries of social security funds.
He added that if a thorough and robust feasibility study of infrastructure projects is not conducted early on, it could lead to delays in payments to beneficiaries or even a complete failure to recover funds.
Furthermore, the Vice President urged the experts attending the conference to develop strategies on how effective Social Security Funds can contribute to enhancing ongoing efforts to increase investment funding in social and economic infrastructure in rural areas.
" Investing in rural infrastructure will help improve productivity and quality of life in rural areas and the outskirts of cities, create jobs, and reduce the migration of people from rural to urban areas." he said .
The Vice President has stated that funding for infrastructure in Africa is estimated to have a shortfall ranging from 68 to 108 billion dollars annually.
This situation has led many development analysts to agree that Social Security Funds are well-positioned to act as a catalyst for accelerating infrastructure development across the continent by addressing this funding gap.
He has urged policymakers in the Social Security sector across Africa participating in the conference to provide practical ideas and solutions on how Social Security Funds can effectively and sustainably fulfill their role in financing infrastructure.
The conference has been attended by various leaders from African nations, including Ministers and Experts in Social Security Funds.
The theme of the conference is "Social Security Funds: A Catalyst for Infrastructure Development and Economic and Social Growth in Africa."