Who we are – AFRICA SOCIAL SECURITY ASSOCIATION

Background

The African Social Security Association (ASSA), formerly the East and Central Africa Social Security Association (ECASSA), is a regional, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing social security across Africa. Founded in March 2007 in Kigali, Rwanda, ASSA was created to foster collaboration and support the growth of social protection systems in East and Central Africa.

The Association was officially registered in Kenya on 18th September 2007 under the Societies Act of 1968, with its first headquarters in Nairobi. In 2016, the Governing Council unanimously decided to move the headquarters to Arusha – Tanzania, home of the East African Community (EAC), to better serve the region.

A historic transformation took place in April 2023, when ECASSA officially became ASSA during the 27th Governing Council meeting in Livingstone, Zambia. This marked the start of a new chapter, with a broader vision and mission to implement its mandate across the entire African continent. ASSA was formally registered in Tanzania on 18th July 2023 (Registration No. 23656), positioning the Association to connect, support, and strengthen social security systems continent-wide.

Our Vision

“To be the preferred institution in the promotion, management, and development of social security for all in the region”

Our Mission

“To foster cooperation and promote the management and development of social security for optimum stakeholder benefits”

Our Core Values

We are guided by principles that shape how we serve our members and stakeholders:

Commitment – Delivering on our promises with dedication

Integrity – Acting with transparency, honesty, and accountability

Teamwork – Collaborating to achieve meaningful results

Equity – Ensuring fairness and inclusivity in all initiatives

Creativity & Innovation – Developing forward-thinking African solutions for African social security challenges

Our Objective

ASSA unites social security institutions across Africa to:

Share innovative experiences and best practices

Collaborate to enhance the quality and effectiveness of social security services

Expand social security coverage for all Africans

Our Impact

Influenced policy changes and institutional reforms in Eastern and Central Africa

Built a strong network of 29 social security institutions across 15 countries

Provided a platform for members and policymakers to engage in research, training, and capacity strengthening

Partnered with national governments, regional and international organizations, and key stakeholders to promote good governance and best practices

Why ASSA Matters

Through research, training, and collaboration, ASSA empowers institutions to deliver better social security systems, ensuring more Africans have access to the protection and support they need.