Perspectives for social protection in West and Central Africa

This paper discusses a series of challenges (both constraints and opportunities) for building stronger social protection systems in West and Central Africa, a region where formal social protection systems have historically been extremely weak but where the need for mechanisms to protect and empower the vulnerable is perhaps greater than anywhere. Poverty rates remain very high across most of the 24 countries in the region, and progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has lagged behind all other regions of the world.

After a brief review of the main factors of vulnerability and the rationale for social protection in West and Central Africa, including for children in particular, the paper briefly describes the existing social protection systems in the countries of the region, highlighting their current limitations but also drawing attention to emerging new opportunities. It then discusses five sets of structural factors that need to be taken into account in efforts to strengthen social protection in West and Central Africa.

Anthony Hodges UNICEF