Togo: New prospects with the country’s return to the head of CIPRES

After 2019, Togo has once again assumed the presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Inter-African Conference on Social Security (CIPRES). Gilbert Bawara, the Minister of Public Service Reform, Labor, and Social Dialogue, was appointed as the institution’s president during its 37th session held on Friday, December 13, in Lomé.

This significant event was preceded by a high-level forum on social protection, where participants reviewed the progress made in recent years.

They also deliberated on the 2024-2028 strategic plan, aimed at building an inclusive and resilient social protection system capable of addressing the needs of the population while accounting for current economic and social challenges.

Established in 1993, CIPRES comprises 18 African member states and is headquartered in Lomé.

Its primary mission is to promote efficient and harmonized management of social security institutions within its member countries.

The organization plays a crucial role in enhancing social protection systems across Africa by prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and innovation.

Under Togo’s leadership, the focus will be on implementing necessary reforms to modernize and strengthen social protection mechanisms.

These efforts aim to expand coverage, particularly for vulnerable populations, and ensure the sustainability of social security systems in member states.

Togo’s return to the helm of the CIPRES Council of Ministers underscores its commitment to effective social governance and its active role on the inter-African stage.

With this new presidency, Togo seeks to foster stronger regional solidarity and advance social protection standards across member countries.

Chantal Tawelessi