AFRICA SOCIAL SECURITY ASSOCIATION

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Where Executive Support Meets Strategic Leadership: Inside AISP’s Arusha Training

28-31 August 2026 | Arusha Tanzania

Executive Assistants and Personal Secretaries are often the driving force behind effective leadership. They keep institutions organized, facilitate decision-making, and ensure operations run seamlessly. Recognizing the critical role they play in social security institutions, the Africa Institute of Social Protection (AISP) brought together professionals from across Africa for a programme designed to transform executive support into strategic contribution.

Held from 28 to 31 July 2026 in Arusha, Tanzania, the Training on Social Security Operations and Office Management Competence for Executive Assistants and Personal Secretaries equipped participants with practical skills, new perspectives, and valuable insights to enhance their roles within their institutions.

Over four days, participants explored key areas including advanced office administration, strategic communication, records and information management, executive support, confidential information handling, and social security operations. Through interactive sessions, practical case studies, role-play exercises, and peer learning, they shared experiences and gained approaches to navigating the evolving demands of executive support.

A key theme throughout the programme was the changing role of Executive Assistants and Personal Secretaries. Beyond managing schedules and correspondence, today’s executive support professionals serve as trusted advisors, coordinators, and problem-solvers who contribute to stronger governance, improved efficiency, and institutional success.

The training also provided a platform for professionals from different social security institutions across Africa to connect, exchange ideas, and build networks that will continue to encourage collaboration beyond the classroom.

As the programme concluded, participants received Certificates of Completion in recognition of their commitment to professional growth and continuous learning. They returned to their institutions with strengthened capabilities and renewed confidence to support leadership and enhance operational effectiveness.

At AISP, capacity building is about more than delivering training programmes. It is about empowering the professionals who play a vital role in advancing Africa’s social security sector. Through initiatives like this, the Institute continues to nurture excellence, promote knowledge sharing, and equip social security professionals with the skills needed to respond to a changing sector.

As AISP continues implementing its 2026 capacity-building programmes available via https://shorturl.at/2lQDw, it remains committed to creating impactful learning experiences that inspire excellence and strengthen the people behind Africa’s social protection systems.

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The Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) of Zambia officially unveiled its rebranded identity on 19 June 2026 at Ciela Resort and Spa in Chongwe, marking a significant institutional milestone that extends beyond visual identity into organisational renewal and strategic repositioning.

The event, graced by Her Honour the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Mrs. Mutale W. K. Nalumango, brought together government officials, development partners, and stakeholders from across the social protection sector.

Representing the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA), Secretary General Meshack Bandawe delivered the Vote of Thanks, commending WCFCB for its continued institutional evolution and its sustained contribution to strengthening social security systems in Zambia and beyond.

He noted that the rebrand reflects a deeper institutional intent, signalling renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and improved service delivery in the administration of workers’ compensation.

The Vice President underscored the importance of WCFCB’s mandate under the Workers’ Compensation Act No. 10 of 1999, highlighting its critical role in safeguarding workers against occupational injury, disease, and related social risks. She further observed that the rebranding aligns the institution’s identity with Zambia’s broader labour, economic, and social protection priorities.

Board Chairperson Emmanuel Mbambiko highlighted WCFCB’s strong institutional performance, noting growth in fund assets from K2.5 billion to K6.6 billion, with a strategic target of K10 billion. He further outlined ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, modernising systems, and expanding coverage to include both formal and informal sector workers.

The rebranding comes at a time when social protection institutions across Africa are increasingly prioritising transformation, not only in systems and structures but also in identity, accessibility, and public trust.

As a longstanding ASSA member institution, WCFCB continues to play an active role in continental knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to broader efforts to enhance the effectiveness of social security systems across Africa.

ASSA congratulates WCFCB on this milestone and reaffirms its commitment to continued collaboration in advancing resilient and inclusive social protection systems across the continent.

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This past week in Arusha, professionals from social security institutions gathered for an intensive training programme on Customer Service Delivery and Organizational Ethics, organized by the Africa Institute of Social Protection (AISP).

While the topics may appear straightforward, they speak to a much larger reality facing the social protection sector today: technical expertise alone is no longer enough. As member expectations evolve and institutions navigate increasingly complex operating environments, professionals are being called upon to demonstrate competencies that extend beyond policy knowledge and operational processes. The ability to communicate effectively, deliver quality service, exercise ethical judgment, and foster accountability has become just as critical as technical proficiency.

The Growing Importance of Customer Service

For many members, their experience with a social security institution is shaped by everyday interactions. Whether seeking information, resolving an issue, or accessing benefits, the quality of service they receive influences their level of trust and confidence in the institution.

Customer service is therefore no longer simply an operational function. It is a strategic tool for building stronger relationships with members and enhancing institutional credibility.

The discussions in Arusha highlighted the importance of adopting a customer-centered approach to service delivery, one that prioritizes responsiveness, professionalism, and a commitment to meeting member needs.

Ethics as the Foundation of Institutional Trust

Trust remains one of the most valuable assets for any social protection institution. It is built through consistent actions, transparent decision-making, and a strong commitment to ethical conduct.

As institutions continue to evolve, professionals are increasingly required to navigate complex situations that demand sound judgment and accountability. Organizational ethics provides the framework that guides these decisions and helps foster a culture of integrity.

Throughout the training, participants explored the role of ethical leadership in strengthening organizational performance and maintaining stakeholder confidence.

Building Institutions for the Future

The future of social protection will depend not only on stronger systems and policies, but also on professionals equipped with the skills needed to lead, serve, and adapt.

The training in Arusha served as a reminder that competencies such as customer service excellence, ethical leadership, communication, and accountability are no longer supplementary skills. They are essential capabilities for institutions seeking to remain effective, trusted, and responsive in a changing world.

At AISP, we remain committed to developing these competencies through practical, industry-focused learning programmes that empower professionals and strengthen institutions across Africa.

As the sector continues to evolve, investing in people will remain one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable impact and improve outcomes for the communities social protection institutions serve.

For information on upcoming training programmes and capacity-building opportunities, contact the AISP Secretariat at secretariat@assa-africa.org

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The strength of any institution lies in its people. In a rapidly evolving social protection landscape, continuous capacity building remains central to strengthening compliance, improving service delivery, and ensuring that systems remain responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.

In this spirit, the Africa Institute of Social Protection (AISP) recently concluded a customized in-house training with professionals from the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) of Kenya. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening institutional performance through investment in human capital.

Rather than viewing training as a standalone activity, both institutions continue to recognize it as part of a broader journey toward building stronger systems, improving governance, and enhancing outcomes for members and beneficiaries.

The engagement underscores the importance of tailored learning interventions that respond to the real operational needs of institutions. When capacity building is aligned to context, it becomes a powerful driver of institutional effectiveness and long-term impact.

AISP extends its appreciation to the Retirement Benefits Authority of Kenya for the partnership and continued commitment to professional development. The Institute also acknowledges the active participation and engagement demonstrated throughout the programme.

As a regional centre of excellence in social security training and research, AISP remains committed to supporting institutions across Africa through high-quality, customized learning programmes designed to strengthen governance, enhance service delivery, and advance social protection systems.

We do not offer generic training. We design solutions that solve real institutional challenges.

If your organisation is serious building stronger teams, the Africa Institute of Social Protection (AISP) is your strategic capacity-building partner.

For enquiries or partnership discussions, please contact ASSA Secretariat through:
📧 secretariat@assa-africa.org
📞 Training Coordinator: Nelson Ndifwa – +255 757 303 089

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The African Development Bank and the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) have signed a letter of intent to strengthen collaboration on Africa’s long-term development financing priorities, The agreement was finalized at the ongoing African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings in Brazzaville.

Ahmed Attout, Director for Financial Sector Development at the African Development Bank signed on the institution’s behalf on 28 May 2026; Meshach Bandawe, ASSA’s Secretary General, was the other signatory.

ASSA is a Continental Association and African Countries membership-based organization established by Pension Funds and Social Security Institutions in Africa, working together to advance social protection systems across Africa by fostering collaboration, promoting best practice, and strengthening institutional capacity among social security organizations.

Secretary General Bandawe said: “This Letter of Intent marks a significant milestone in advancing Africa’s Social Protection and Development agenda. Through the partnership with the African Development Bank, ASSA and its member institutions are committed to transforming social security and pension funds into strategic instruments for sustainable development, infrastructure financing and regional economic integration. Together we aim to strengthen institutional capacity, promote sound governance and investment frameworks, and unlock Africa’s domestic capital for the benefit of improving sustainability of Pension Funds in Africa to meet its long-term obligations and also contribute to the social and economical development in African countries and hence improve the quality of life of the people in the continent to compliment with Africa Union Social Agenda 2063.”

Aligned with the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD) as endorsed under the Abidjan Consensus, the partnership will support mobilisation of long-term domestic capital, strengthening of regional financial integration, and supporting the development of stronger institutional investment ecosystems across Africa. The two institutions will also cooperate on knowledge sharing, advocacy, ASSA membership growth in Africa and technical assistance.

“This partnership reflects a shared ambition under the Abidjan Consensus and NAFAD to strengthen Africa’s financial resilience by mobilising long-term domestic capital more effectively. Social security and pension institutions are critical actors in deepening local capital markets and supporting strategic investments across the continent.

Through stronger collaboration on ASSA membership growth, technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and scalable investment opportunities, this initiative can help advance regional financial integration, strengthen risk-sharing mechanisms, and contribute to a more resilient African development financing architecture,” said Director Attout.

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From Numbers to Global Standards: Preparing Social Security Institutions for IFRS

AISP Training | 19–22 May 2026 | Kigali, Rwanda

When the Numbers Need to Speak Globally

The numbers don’t lie, but they do need to be understood the same way everywhere.

Across Africa, social security institutions are managing billions in member funds, paying pensions, processing claims, and supporting millions of people who rely on these systems every day. The scale is significant, and so is the scrutiny. When financial reports are reviewed by international partners, auditors, and regulators, they are expected to meet a common standard. For many institutions, that alignment is still in progress.

The transition to International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS, is no longer something to prepare for at a distance. It is already here. The real question now is whether finance teams are equipped to lead that transition in a way that is accurate, compliant, and sustainable.

A Practical Approach to IFRS

From 19 to 22 May 2026, the Africa Institute of Social Protection, under the Africa Social Security Association, will host a four-day training on the Practical Application of IFRS I and II in Social Security Operations at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas in Rwanda. The programme is designed to move beyond theory and into application, giving participants the space to work through real scenarios that reflect the realities of social security finance.

Over the four days, participants will engage in facilitated sessions, case studies, and practical exercises that walk through the full IFRS transition process. This includes understanding the standards, adjusting opening balance sheets, measuring liabilities, validating financial statements, evaluating investment portfolios, and strengthening audit readiness. The sessions are led by practitioners with experience in IFRS implementation, actuarial valuation, and financial governance across the region.

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for professionals at the center of financial reporting and governance within social security institutions. It is suited for Chief Financial Officers, Finance Managers, Actuaries, Risk Managers, Auditors, Accountants, and Financial Analysts. Participants who complete the programme will receive a certificate.

Registration Details

The training fee is USD 1,000 per participant. For registration and enquiries, contact Nelson Ndifwa, Training Coordinator at AISP, via ndifwan@assa-africa.org or secretariat@assa-africa.org, or by phone on +255 757 303 089.

A Step Forward

As social security institutions across Africa continue to grow in reach and responsibility, the systems that support them must keep pace. Strong financial reporting is not just a requirement, it is part of building trust, credibility, and long-term stability.

This May, Kigali offers a practical step in that direction.

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Building Stronger Social Protection Systems

21–24 April 2026 | David Livingstone Safari Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia | USD 800 per participant

In April 2026, Livingstone will bring together practitioners from across Africa, all focused on one thing, making social protection systems work better for the people they serve. This AISP training is designed for those at the center of it all, shaping compliance, managing benefits, and delivering services that members rely on every day.

Over four days, the conversation shifts from process to impact. What does smarter compliance look like in practice? How do we make registration simpler, especially for workers in the informal economy? And how can service delivery feel less like a system to navigate and more like support people can trust?

This is a hands-on, practical experience grounded in real challenges and real solutions. Participants will engage with tools, ideas, and approaches they can take straight back to their institutions, strengthening not just systems, but the experience of every member within them.

If you’re looking to strengthen your team and be part of the conversation shaping more effective social protection systems, this is your seat at the table. Spaces are limited, register now to secure your place.

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Building the People Behind Tanzania’s Social Security System – Nashera Hotel, Morogoro, 14^th -17^th April, 2026.

This week in Morogoro, staff from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) have stepped away from their day-to-day roles to focus on something both simple and powerful: making social security work better for people. Delivered by the Africa Institute of Social Protection (AISP), the training brings together professionals from across the Fund to strengthen how the system is understood, managed, and delivered.

From Systems on Paper to Impact in Practice

Social security is often designed in policies and frameworks, but its true test is in execution. It shows up in the quiet moments, when a claim is processed correctly, when contributions are accurately tracked, when a member receives support without friction. This training begins from that understanding, grounding every discussion in the reality that systems only matter when they work in practice.

Strengthening the Core That Holds It All Together

With that foundation, the focus shifts to the inner workings of the system. Participants engage deeply with the core functions that keep social security running, from benefits administration and compliance to data integrity and financial oversight. Each area is explored not in isolation, but as part of an interconnected whole, where one weak link can affect the entire chain.

Learning That Mirrors the Real World

To bring these concepts to life, the programme leans into practical learning. Through case studies, simulations, and shared experiences, participants step into real scenarios, testing decisions, solving problems, and refining their approach. The training room becomes a reflection of the workplace, allowing ideas to move beyond theory and into action.

Carrying the Work Beyond Morogoro

As the sessions unfold, the focus gradually shifts outward, from the room to the system itself. The value of the training lies not just in what is learned, but in what is carried forward. Strengthened skills, sharper judgment, and a clearer understanding of the bigger picture begin to shape how participants will approach their roles long after the training ends.

A Stronger System, One Professional at a Time

In the end, building effective social security systems is not a single event or intervention. It is a continuous process, driven by the people responsible for making it work every day. By investing in the capacity of its staff, NSSF is strengthening the foundation of its service delivery, contributing to a system that is more responsive, more reliable, and ultimately more impactful for the people it serves.

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Zanzibar 2026: Elevating the Standards of Social Security Administration

In the world of social protection, we often talk about policy, data, and digital transformation. But who actually keeps the gears of these massive institutions turning?

Last week, the Africa Institute of Social Protection (AISP), under the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA), brought this into focus. At Hotel Verde in Zanzibar, a specialized four-day training (24–27 March) brought together Executive Assistants, Personal Secretaries, and administrative professionals: the backbone of our institutions.

More Than Office Work: A Mission-Driven Curriculum

This program moved beyond traditional office management. It was a targeted masterclass designed to sharpen the skills that drive institutional success, built upon four key pillars:

Fundamentals of Social Protection: Ensuring every team member understands the “why” behind the work, connecting daily logistics to the broader goal of citizen security and dignity.
Strategic Office Management: Elevating the role from functional to influential. Participants mastered high-level business communication, executive hospitality, and the nuances of international protocol.
Operational Precision: In a digital-first world, efficiency is non-negotiable. The focus was on smarter travel logistics, digital tool integration, and sophisticated records management.
Institutional Stewardship: Strengthening the organization’s image through professional etiquette and the highest standards of confidentiality.

A Hands-On Learning Lab

This was not a lecture series. The training utilized an interactive delivery model. Led by experts in strategic planning and cross-cultural intelligence, the sessions were driven by:

Real-world Case Studies: Solving actual bottlenecks found in social security offices.
Role-play Simulations: Testing communication skills under pressure.
Live Facilitation: Collaborative problem-solving that turned theory into immediate action.

The presence of Mr. Meshach Bandawe, Secretary General of ASSA, during the sessions sent a clear message: institutional effectiveness starts with the proficiency of the teams who manage day-to-day execution.

Investing in the Future of Africa

This initiative is a cornerstone of AISP’s broader mission to advance expertise across the continent. By fostering a culture of excellence and a deep understanding of social protection values, participants returned home with more than just a certificate, they left with the tools and the drive to enhance productivity and better serve their stakeholders.

When our administrative teams are empowered, our social security systems are unbreakable.

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Africa Social Security Association (ASSA), Human Resources Manager’s Working Session Program in Arusha has been successfully conducted and officially closed. It was a three days session scheduled to run from 10th to 12th March, 2026 at Corridor Springs Hotel in Arusha Tanzania.

The session focused on how human resources managers can with their experience and expertise contribute to social protection in their respective Social Security Schemes which is a core function of Africa Social Security Association

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A one day high level working session prepared by the African Development Bank in collaboration with Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) was successfully conducted on February 17th, 2026 in Abidjan Cote D’ Ivoire. In attendance were African Development Bank, Africa Social Security Association, ASSA Member Schemes, non member organizations invited by ASSA and AFDB, different African financial institutions (both government and private) and many other social related institutions and organizations.

The 30th Africa Social Security Association’s Governing Council has been successfully conducted and officially closed in Kigali, Rwanda. Before the 30th Governing Council Meeting, ASSA Standing Committee Meeting was successfully held for two days

The Africa Social Security Association’s Standing Committee Meeting planned to take place in Kigali Rwanda has been successfully conducted and officially closed.

The designated capacity building on the “Principles of Social Security Administration” for the staff of NSSF Tanzania (Group I) has been conducted successfully in Mtwara region in Tanzania. This training was scheduled for three days from January 19, 2026 to January 21, 2026.

The Africa Social Security Association’s technical meeting of the experts to develop Social Security – Investment Guidelines and establishment of Data Centre for Africa has been successfully concluded in Kigali Rwanda this day of December 19th, 2025.

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On 30th October 2025 Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) and African Union through African Union Development Agency signed an MoU during the III Summit on Financing for Infrastructure Development in Africa held in Luanda Angola which intends to push Infrastructure Agenda by harmonizing both Social Security and Investment regulatory framework in Africa.

Dr. Kili represented Chairman and ASSA Council members

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The signing ceremony of MoU between Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) was held on 22nd Sept 2025 in New York, in side the meeting of UN General Assembly attended by DFC, the US and African Pension Funds.

On the picture is the President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC Mr. Samaila Zubairu, ASSA Secretary General, Mr Mohammed Fuaad Dabboh, Director General of NASSIT, Sierra Leone representing ASSA Chairman and Mr Dave Aduanu, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access ARM Pension of Nigeria.

The collaboration will focus on the growth of ASSA in Africa, Infrastructure Fund set up, Research and Advocacy, Capacity Building, Strengthen Data Centre and support the next ASSA Continental Annual Conference.

Thank you ASSA Chairman for your guidance, Governing Council Members for your support and the Africa Finance Corporation for facilitating.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) and Trade Development Bank (TDB) took place on 15th August 2025. In attendance was the President of Trade Development Bank and the Managing Director (MD), Mr Admassu Tadesse and the Secretary General of the Africa Social Security Association, Mr. Meshach Bandawe to establish and promote a framework of Cooperation for the establishment and Ope-rationalization of the ASSA Infrastructure Investment Fund, submitted for update.

The Designated Capacity Building Training on “The Principles of Social Protection Management and Administration” for members of Social Security Schemes in Tanzania (WCF), Kenya (CPF GROUP), Uganda (NSSF), and Zambia (WCFCB) which was scheduled from August 25 to August 29, 2025 in Arusha Tanzania has been conducted successfully and officially closed

The Designated Capacity Building Training on “The Principles of Social Security Administration” for the in-service Staff of NSSF – Tanzania, which was held in Mtwara, Tanzania, from August 19, 2025 to August 22, 2025 has been conducted successfully and officially closed by the Secretary General of Africa Social Security Association, Mr. Meshach Bandawe