By Fatou Sillah
The Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) on Wednesday introduced its Taye Sama social security scheme to women gardeners in Abuko, as part of efforts to extend financial protection to workers in The Gambia’s informal economy.
The initiative, which has already registered more than 1,000 members, aims to provide social security coverage to workers who have historically lacked financial protection during retirement, illness, and other periods of economic hardship.
Taye Sama, meaning “today and tomorrow” in Wolof and Mandinka, marks a shift in the corporation’s approach after more than four decades of primarily serving formally employed workers. The scheme is being prepared for a pilot phase to assess its effectiveness before broader implementation.
Speaking to reporters during the outreach event, SSHFC Managing Director Saloum Malang said the program would benefit women gardeners, market vendors, farmers, artisans, and transport workers, among others.
Mr. Malang described the initiative as an important step toward establishing a more inclusive social protection system, emphasizing that informal workers contribute significantly to the national economy but often lack access to retirement benefits and other financial safeguards.
He also highlighted the broader economic potential of supporting farmers and gardeners, particularly by improving market access and encouraging hotels and other businesses to purchase locally grown produce rather than rely on imports.
According to Mr. Malang, stronger connections between local producers and buyers could increase farmers’ earnings, reduce the country’s import bill, and create opportunities for agricultural exports.
He argued that strengthening productivity in the informal sector would contribute to economic growth, generate savings on imports, and help support the value of the Gambian Dalasi.
The Taye Sama initiative forms part of SSHFC’s efforts to expand social security coverage beyond formal employment and provide greater financial security to underserved workers across the country.
Comments are closed.