Digitalization and social security in Central Africa: Transfer of the ISSA Liaison Office

A technical seminar on digitalization in social security administration was held in Bangui, Central African Republic, on 11 and 12 February 2026. The event also marked the official transfer of the ISSA Liaison Office for Central Africa.

The event, which brought together ten social security institutions from eight African countries, marked a new stage in strengthening the institutional presence of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) in the region, with the transfer of the Liaison Office for Central Africa from Kinshasa to Bangui. The Liaison Office plays a strategic role in supporting ISSA member institutions in the region in addressing social security challenges.

Following the National Social Security Fund of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the National Social Security Fund of the Central African Republic has now assumed this responsibility. The ceremony was also marked by the signing of a memorandum, highlighting the shared commitment of member institutions to strengthen cooperation and continue efforts to modernize social protection.

A strong commitment in the region

The opening ceremony, chaired by the Minister of Social Protection, Annie Michelle Mouanga, highlighted the commitment of national authorities and leaders of member institutions to the digital transformation of social security systems. The ISSA Secretary General, Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, emphasized that the transfer of the Liaison Office reflects the confidence placed in the Central African Republic to lead cooperation in the region.

The interventions underscored the need to accelerate digitalization, adapt social security systems to demographic and economic changes, and strengthen regional cooperation in order to build modern, inclusive and sustainable social security. Discussions highlighted the role of the ISSA Guidelines as a reference framework for reforms.

Shared opportunities and challenges

The experiences shared highlighted the progress made in the region, while recognizing persistent challenges: the digital divide, insufficient infrastructure, heterogeneous regulatory frameworks and low social coverage. At the conclusion of the discussions, several priorities were identified:

• Invest in reliable, secure and interoperable technological infrastructure in order to improve connectivity and cybersecurity, and to facilitate information exchange between national systems.
• Promote user-centered digital solutions, adapted to local realities and designed to operate in environments with variable connectivity.
• Develop modern, ethical and performance-oriented data governance, supported by harmonized data protection frameworks and strengthened team capacities.

Outlook for the future

These priorities constitute a roadmap for continuing the digitalization of social security administration in the region, guided by the ISSA Guidelines. With the support of the ISSA, the Liaison Office will continue to strengthen links between social security institutions in Central Africa, with the objective of improving social security coverage and services for populations.