Angola takes a key step towards the ratification of Convention No. 102

From 14th to 17th April, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conducted a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of the Government of Angola, as well as a tripartite capacity-building seminar on the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), and a consultation process concerning the formal ratification of this Convention.

The capacity-building seminar provided the tripartite partners with essential information to review, discuss and validate the preliminary findings of the report assessing the compatibility of Angola's social security legislation and practice with the requirements of this flagship social security standard.

Highlighting the importance of ratifying and effectively applying this convention to build robust and sustainable social security systems and progressively achieve universal coverage, thereby supporting economic and social development, the Secretary of State for Labour and Social Security, Pedro Filipo, reiterated:

Fortunately, in 2024, the National Assembly formally approved the ratification process for eight conventions, including No. 102. This is a very concrete step in the process of achieving universal social protection in Angola
Dr. Pedro José Filipe,
Secretary of State for Labour and Social Security

The capacity-building and validation workshops were conducted within the framework of the European Union-funded project on Expanding Social Security to Support the Formalization of the Angolan Economy (ESSAFE Angola) and the ILO Global Ratification Campaign. The workshops benefited from the active participation from key stakeholders, including from the Ministry of Public Administration, Labour and Social Security of Angola (MAPTSS), Ministry of Health, Angola Social Security Institute (INSS), employer representatives from the Associação Industrial de Angola (AIA), Camara do Comercio e Industria de Angola (CCIA) and the Federação de Mulheres Empreendedoras de Angola (FMEA), as well as worker representatives from the União Nacional dos Trabalhadores de Angola (UNTA-CS), Central Geral de Sindicatos Independente de livres de Angola (CGSILA) and Força Sindical Central Sindical (FSA-CS).

The ratification of Convention No. 102 is a crucial step for strengthening Angola’s national social protection system and realize the Sustainable Development Agenda.
H.E. Rosário Bento Pais
Ambassador of the European Union to Angola

During the tripartite validation workshop, the social partners endorsed the preliminary findings of the report and reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing the formal ratification of Convention No. 102, which requires the deposit of the instrument of ratification and accompanying declarations with the ILO. With the national process for ratification concluded, as it has been approved by the Angolan Parliament and published in the national gazette, the tripartite partners expressed confidence that Angola will become the second SADC country to ratify this landmark Convention.

The report has been prepared within the framework of the ILO's global campaign to promote the ratification of the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102). The campaign stems from the decision taken by the International Labour Conference at its 109th Session in 2021. The report is part of the ILO's efforts to systematically promote the ratification and effective implementation of updated ILO standards on social security.

Convention No. 102 is the flagship Convention of the ILO in the field of social security, setting the international benchmark for developing rights-based social protection systems and realizing the human right to social security. It serves as a key tool for countries to guide reforms leading to the establishment and implementation of comprehensive social security systems that progressively cover nine benefits, namely: medical care, sickness, unemployment, old age, employment injury benefits, family benefits, maternity, invalidity, and survivors' benefits. As such, Convention No. 102 provides a key framework for guiding future social security reforms in Angola, including the adoption of the regulatory framework required for the establishment of disability benefits under the schemes administered by the INSS, extend coverage, reduce fragmentation, and ensure the adequacy of benefits while securing the sustainability of the schemes.

Learn more about Convention No. 102 and how can support the development of robust social protection systems here.

Related content:

► Toolkit on ILO Social Security Standards
► International Labour Standards