Mozambique seeks to extend social security to informal workers

During a national meeting of the National Social Security Institute (INSS) in Tete, Mozambique's Minister of Labor, Gender, and Social Action, Ivete Alane, advocated for extending social protection to informal and self-employed workers. She noted that a majority of the economically active population—including informal vendors, family farmers, fishers, artisans, and transporters—currently lacks protection for old age.

To address this, the government is proposing flexible registration and contribution mechanisms tailored to irregular income streams. Strategic priorities include simplifying enrollment, accelerating digital transformation, and optimizing the collection of contribution debts. Additionally, the government aims to revise the Mandatory Social Security Regulation to include domestic workers, while strengthening internal controls and fraud prevention.

The two-day meeting includes senior INSS officials, the Board of Directors, and social partners such as the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) and trade unions OTM-CS and CONSILMO. The agenda includes reviewing activity reports and approving the action plan and budget for the upcoming period.