Eswatini, a landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa with approximately 1.2 million citizens, maintains a social security system to support its population amid economic and demographic challenges (United Nations, 2023). This blog provides an overview of Eswatini’s current social security framework, key institutions, and the challenges hindering comprehensive coverage, based on verifiable data. Historical Context Before independence in 1968, Eswatini (then Swaziland) relied on traditional extended family structures and limited colonial welfare provisions, primarily for civil servants (International Social Security Association , 2019). Post-independence, the government formalized social security, establishing the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) in 1974 as the primary retirement scheme for private sector workers (Social Security Administration, 2019). Despite progress, coverage remains limited compared to developed economies due to a large informal economy and fiscal constraints (International Labour Organization , 2022). Current Social Security Framework Eswatini’s social security system comprises contributory and non-contributory programs, managed by distinct institutions:...

Guinea-Bissau’s social security system has undergone several transformations since the country’s independence from Portugal in 1974. While the nation has faced significant political and economic challenges throughout its history, efforts to establish and reform social protection mechanisms have persisted. This blog explores the key developments in Guinea-Bissau’s social security landscape over the decades. Colonial Period and Early Independence Prior to independence, formal social protection in Guinea-Bissau was extremely limited under Portuguese colonial rule. The few existing social security provisions primarily served colonial administrators and a small segment of formal sector workers in urban areas. After gaining independence in 1974, the new government, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), attempted to establish more inclusive social protection programs aligned with its socialist ideology. However, these early efforts were constrained by limited resources and institutional capacity. 1980s-1990s: Structural Adjustment and System Challenges The 1980s brought...

Introduction Social security systems are vital for fostering social and economic stability in any country. These structures provide financial protection for individuals and families against life events such as old age, disability, maternity, unemployment, illness, and death. In West Africa, both Mali and Côte d’Ivoire have undertaken extensive efforts to build and strengthen their social security programs. Although they share certain similarities—such as having inherited legal traditions shaped by French colonial governance—the two countries have also pursued specific pathways that reflect their distinct economic, demographic, and political contexts. In this blog, we will: Summarize the core components of Mali’s and Côte d’Ivoire’s social security frameworks. Highlight their coverage, funding mechanisms, and benefit structures as described in the attached background documents. Compare and contrast their approaches to old-age pensions, health insurance, maternity, workplace injury, and family allowances. Discuss the current reforms, recent developments, and persisting challenges facing both countries as they...

Massive Pension Protests in Belgium: A Nation at a Crossroads Belgium is currently facing one of the largest national protests in recent years, as thousands of workers from various sectors took to the streets on January 13, 2025, in response to proposed pension reforms. The nationwide strike, which paralyzed essential services, highlighted widespread dissatisfaction and deep-rooted concerns over the financial future of pensioners. Extent and Impact of the Strike The strike affected multiple industries, causing significant disruption across Belgium: Transportation: Nearly half of all flights at Brussels Airport were canceled due to strikes by baggage handlers, security staff, and ground personnel. National train operator NMBS ran only a limited number of trains, while Brussels’ public transport system was heavily affected, bringing daily commutes to a halt. Education: Over 20,000 teachers participated in the protests, resulting in widespread school closures across the country. Public Services: Government offices, postal services, and even...

On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act, a landmark legislation that increases benefits for approximately 3 million public-sector retirees. While this change is beneficial for former government employees, it also exacerbates the financial strain on the Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, which was already projected to run out by 2033. With this new law in place, depletion is now expected six months sooner, necessitating urgent reforms to ensure the system’s sustainability.  The challenges faced by the SSA in the US are no different than what many social security administrations will be facing around the world. Key Changes Under the Social Security Fairness Act The law eliminates two longstanding provisions that previously reduced benefits for certain public-sector workers: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) – Previously, this rule reduced Social Security benefits for workers who split their careers between jobs that withheld Social...

Introduction Figure 1 – Architecture In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, enterprise software applications must balance functionality, scalability, and ease of maintenance. Organizations are increasingly seeking web-based systems that can handle large numbers of users, integrate with various third-party services, and adapt to changing requirements without sacrificing performance or security. Among such systems is Interact SSAS, an enterprise social security administration system offering all its functionality through an online portal. What makes Interact SSAS particularly noteworthy is its thoughtfully constructed layered architecture, powered by a core set of open-source technologies. Each component within this stack is selected to serve a specific role—whether that involves security, user interface rendering, business logic, data management, or workflow automation. By weaving these technologies together, Interact SSAS provides a reliable, scalable, and efficient platform that can be customized for diverse enterprise environments. This blog post offers a deep dive into the rationale behind Interact SSAS’s...

The holiday season is a time for cheer, celebration, and a sense of closure to the year’s efforts. In many countries around the world, this festive spirit also finds its way into employee paychecks in the form of year-end bonuses, Christmas bonuses, or “13th-month” salaries. Beyond simple generosity, these payments often have deep cultural or legal roots. Some governments encourage the practice through special tax breaks or reduced social security contributions, while in certain places, extra pay in December can be legally exempt from specific deductions. This blog takes a close look at the global tradition of holiday bonuses, explores how different governments regulate or incentivize them, highlights St Kitts’ unique exemption for December bonuses, and demonstrates how both Interact HRMS (an HR and payroll solution) and Interact SSAS (a social security administration solution) make it easy to manage these payments in compliance with local rules. The Global Tradition of...