Public policy in complex situations : a critical review of social security in Africa

Abstract

Many social security institutions in Africa experience problems of governance and management against the background of the serious challenges faced by public policy in Africa in general. These include economic problems and the institutional design of social security policies inherited from colonial systems, and resulting governance problems. Economic and political challenges and the pressure of globalisation have placed welfare states under siege since the 1980s. The administration of social security systems is complex, and many schemes have not been managed in the best interests of the contributors and beneficiaries. Moreover, in many African countries there are clear indications of excessive state interference. Social security is a universal need, and is recognised as a basic human right, by both the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and United Nations (UN). Social security is not a luxury that a state can accord its citizens only when growth has taken place, or when countries have reached a particular level of per capita income. This article raises the question whether African social policy in particular has changed significantly during this period of challenges. The article provides a brief overview of the main characteristics of current social protection schemes, while acknowledging that designs vary considerably across countries, focusing mainly on developing countries, particularly in Africa, making it difficult to generalise. The article concludes by arguing that, for a social security system to be feasible in the current circumstances of widespread economic crisis, appropriate regulatory authorities need to be put in place to regulate the private and public environment, and to ensure, amongst other things proper customer care.