The report titled “The Digitalisation of Social Protection in Africa: The Perspective of Marginalised Workers” presents a comprehensive analysis of how digitalisation impacts access to social protection for marginalized groups across various African countries. It is grounded in research conducted among informal, domestic, migrant, and disabled workers in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The findings indicate that while digitalisation aims to facilitate access to social protection, it often exacerbates exclusion for these workers due to barriers such as lack of internet connectivity, awareness, affordability, and necessary digital skills. The report advocates for integrating the perspectives of marginalized workers into the design and implementation of digital social protection systems to ensure inclusivity.
A significant aspect of the research revolves around the “6 A’s” of access to social protection, which include Availability, Affordability, Awareness, Abilities, Accessibility, and Accountability. Each “A” highlights critical barriers faced by marginalized workers in accessing their entitlements. For instance, many rural workers lack the mobile internet necessary to enroll in digital systems, while others cannot afford smartphones or data plans. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of maintaining non-digital options alongside digital solutions to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
In conclusion, the report underscores the pressing need for collaborative efforts to improve digital social protection systems, emphasizing that marginalized workers must be engaged in decision-making processes. For full insights on the findings and recommendations, we invite you to read the entire document here.
CLICK TO READ: https://jonapwdng.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IDS_Research_Report_90.pdf
