Senegal’s social security system represents one of West Africa’s most comprehensive social protection frameworks, evolved through decades of colonial legacy, post-independence nation-building, and ongoing modernization efforts. Understanding this system requires examining its historical roots, transformative reforms, and current operational structure that serves millions of Senegalese citizens today. Historical Foundations: Colonial Origins and Early Development The origins of Senegal’s social security system trace back to the French colonial period in the early 20th century. The colonial administration established rudimentary social protection schemes primarily for French civil servants and military personnel stationed in French West Africa. These early programs, introduced around the 1930s, were exclusionary by design, serving only the colonial elite and leaving the vast majority of the indigenous population without coverage. The first significant milestone came in 1952 with the establishment of the Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale (Social Providence Fund), which extended limited benefits to African civil servants. This marked...