National social protection policies in West Africa: A comparative analysis

Abstract

The West African States recognize the importance of social protection and its dual social and economic function; a perspective that coincides fully with the topic of this special issue on Dynamic Social Security. Between 2007 and 2013 theses States developed national social protection policies, strategies or action plans and are now engaged in their implementation. This article reviews these national social protection policies (or strategies) in ten countries in the sub-region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal and Togo) and presents their contents, revealing a similarity of approach in the development of policies. Specifically, after having carried out a diagnostic study of social protection in their respective countries, the States followed seven distinct stages: defining a national vision, defining precisely what is meant by social protection, laying down the principles on which policies were to be based and finally setting out the general objectives, key areas and mechanisms for implementing and financing their national social protection policies. Following these stages, this comparative study seeks to outline the main trends and key elements of the national social protection policies and bring out best practices to provide a basic structure and general guidelines for developing a national social protection policy, implementing a social protection floor and promoting access to higher levels of protection.

Review of National Social Protection Strategies

“…In practical terms, social protection in most strategies is made up of two key elements: social assistance (social safety nets for the poorest and most vulnerable) and social insurance (social security schemes to protect against risks, including illness, unemployment, old age etc.). This reflects the findings of Pino and Confalonieri (2014) in their review of social protection policies in west Africa. As in their study, these two elements were often supported by other components, including social services for marginalised groups, protective legislation, price subsidies and health risk coverage mechanisms.…”

“…Saudi Arabia's NSDS). Pino and Badini Confalonieri's (2014) comparative analysis of national social protection policies in West Africa usefully identifies seven distinct stages that countries usually go through in the development of their national social protection policies: defining a national vision, defining social protection, identifying guiding principles, key areas and mechanisms for implementing and financing their national social protection policies. The strategies reviewed here reflected this approach.…”

“…In their review of national protection policies in West Africa, Pino and Confalonieri (2014) identify defining a national vision as the first stage in developing a national social protection strategy/ policy. According to Pino and Confalonieri, a national vision "describes what a country wishes to become, the national priorities and the objectives to be reached (Pino and Confalonieri 2014: 132).…”

How does explicit knowledge inform policy shaping? The case of Burkina Faso’s national social protection policy

“…However, some countries have opted for a systemic approach through the development of national social protection strategies or policies. These policies define a long-term national vision, social protection priorities, objectives to be achieved, and implementation strategies [ 11 ]. They support the idea that social protection, as a social guarantee provided by the State, makes the State accountable to citizens, strengthens the social contract between the two, and legitimizes pro-poor policy priorities [ 12 ].…”