NASSIT DG Elected Vice Chairman of Africa Social Security Association (ASSA)

The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mr. Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, has been elected Vice Chairman of the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) at the Association’s 30th Governing Council Meeting, held on 30 January 2026 at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
Mr. Daboh was elected unopposed, reflecting the confidence and trust reposed in his leadership by member institutions across the continent.
In his acceptance speech, the NASSIT Director General expressed profound appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and pledged to work tirelessly to advance social security development at regional, continental, and global levels.

He noted that social security systems in Africa continue to face significant challenges, including unregulated informal economies, limited coverage, inadequate funding, and the changing global demographic landscape. However, he urged ASSA members to approach these challenges with optimism.
“We must consider these challenges as opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and build systems that truly serve the heart of the African community,” he said.
Mr. Daboh reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ASSA and to the millions of Africans whose livelihoods depend on effective social security systems. He challenged African leaders to accelerate digitisation, leveraging technology to expand access, improve efficiency, and streamline administration.
Looking ahead, he called on ASSA to strengthen regional cooperation, share best practices, and develop harmonised approaches that reflect Africa’s unique social and economic realities.
He further encouraged social security institutions across Africa to engage more deeply with the informal sector, emphasizing the need for innovative pathways to extend meaningful coverage to every worker and family on the continent.
“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work hand in hand with you to transform the pension and social security landscape in Africa,” he concluded.
In a congratulatory message, the Secretary of ASSA, Mr. Meshech Bandawe, described Mr. Daboh’s election as a testament to his statesmanship, dedication, and strong leadership at national, continental, and global levels. He noted that the ongoing transformation of ASSA and the harmonisation of social security systems across Africa now rest significantly on Mr. Daboh’s shoulders, especially at a time when the substantive Chairman is indisposed. He assured the new Vice Chairman of the Association’s full support.

Mr. Daboh’s election adds to his growing list of national and international recognitions. In January 2020, he was appointed Vice-Chairperson of the Technical Commission on Investment of Social Security Funds of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) for a three-year term (2020–2022). In 2022, he was also elected Member of the ISSA Bureau for another three-year term.
The Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) was established in March 2007 in Kigali, Rwanda, as the East and Central Africa Social Security Association (ECASSA), with a mandate to promote cooperation and the development of social security systems in the region. In April 2023, during the 27th ECASSA Governing Council Meeting in Livingstone, Zambia, the Association was unanimously renamed ASSA, reflecting its expanded continental mandate.
ASSA was officially registered on 18 July 2023 in Tanzania, with a mission to foster cooperation and promote effective management and development of social security systems for the benefit of stakeholders across Africa. The African Union has formally endorsed ASSA as a continental social security institution.