In the heart of West Africa, The Gambia has been steadily building a social security framework designed to protect its workforce and vulnerable populations. As one of the continent’s smallest nations, The Gambia faces unique challenges in providing comprehensive social protection, yet its evolving system offers valuable insights into how developing countries can structure social security to meet their citizens’ needs. The Foundation: Historical Development and Legal Framework The Gambia’s journey toward establishing a robust social security system began in earnest in 1990 with the introduction of the Labor Act. This foundational legislation laid the groundwork for worker protections and social benefits that would evolve over the subsequent decades. The system has undergone significant refinements, with major updates in 2007 through a revised Labor Act, comprehensive Social Security legislation in 2015, and the implementation of the Industrial Injuries Compensation framework in 1996, based on the 1990 law. This evolutionary approach...