Lunch Conference on Social Protection in sub-Saharan Africa

Can Social Protection reduce poverty and inequality? Supporting Inclusive Growth and Social Justice in the EU Development Cooperation

The conference will present the findings of a mapping study in sub-Saharan Africa and explain what is possible to enhance the capacity of vulnerable people to better manage risks, to provide income security and accessing basic social services during all life-cycle.

Sub-Saharan African countries face a unique set of challenges in extending social protection in a context of high poverty incidence and fiscal constraints. Poverty is pervasive in these countries, the most heavily AIDS-affected region in the world, with the bulk of the working population in the informal economy and high unemployment rate affecting youth in particular.

Speakers

• Hélène BOURGADE
  Head of Unit B3
  Employment, Social Inclusion, Migration
  DG Development and Cooperation - EuropeAid,
  European Commission
• Marius OLIVIER      
  Senior Social Protection and Employment Advisor,
  Director of the Institute for Social Law and Policy,
  South Africa