The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations says expanding social protection to workers in the informal economy has emerged as a key government priority.
He said this on a message delivered on his behalf at an International Social Security Forum on Monday.
The Stakeholders' Forum, hosted by the Social Security Commission and the International Social Security Association, brought together local and international stakeholders.
They are discussing social protection reforms and digital transformation.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the minister, Executive Director Ben Nangombe said the government is reviewing the Labour Act, the Social Security Act and related laws. The aim is to expand social protection to more Namibians.
"The minister specifically pointed out the fact that there is a need to provide social protection to workers in the informal economy. Because as we currently have it, our laws make provision for people who are formally employed to receive social protection, but people working in the informal economy do not enjoy that kind of protection. The movement internationally is to put measures in place to make social protection accessible to them."
The forum also coincides with the retirement of Social Security Commission Executive Officer Milka Mungunda.
Organisers, however, said the event was planned independently to strengthen collaboration on social protection.
Mungunda said the forum gave countries an opportunity to share experiences and learn from one another.
"We had speakers from different parts of the world under the theme 'Changing Social Security'. From the contributions, we learned from each other. Bringing people together to share experiences is one of the most valuable outcomes of this forum."
International Social Security Association Secretary General Marcelo Caetano said one of the biggest challenges facing social security systems is ensuring no vulnerable groups are left behind.
"For the next years, or even the next decade, the priority is to identify the people who are still missing from social security coverage and determine which groups remain excluded, whether because of the type of work they do, gender or other factors."
Delegates also discussed the growing role of technology in improving the administration of social protection programmes.
The chief executive officer of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) said digital transformation is helping governments improve efficiency and protect public funds.
"Modernisation, including better data exchange across departments and institutions, helps ensure that the people receiving social protection are the right beneficiaries while preventing duplicate claims and strengthening accountability."
The forum is expected to contribute to policy discussions on expanding social protection coverage and modernising social security systems across the region.