Rwanda aims to expand social security coverage to informal workers by 2026
Laws governing pensions, maternity leave benefits, and medical insurance in Rwanda are set for a comprehensive review by the end of 2026. The initiative aims to expand coverage to informal workers and address the enrollment challenges faced by small or unregistered employers, according to the Minister of Public Service and Labour, Christine Nkulikiyinka.
Nkulikiyinka made these remarks during a session of the Senate Committee on Social Affairs on October 20, where she discussed efforts to improve the welfare of the elderly. “It is planned that by the fourth quarter of 2026, new laws and regulations will have been established to expand the pension programme so that it reaches all categories of workers,” she stated.
The ministry is currently conducting consultative meetings focused on pension plans for informal workers, maternity leave benefits, and health or occupational hazard insurance. Nkulikiyinka emphasized the importance of these consultations, stating, “These aim to ensure that we fully understand the changes needed and the challenges people face, so that the revised regulations provide informed solutions.”
Informal workers constitute approximately 90 percent of Rwanda’s workforce, making it essential to expand pension, medical, and maternity benefits to this group. Nkulikiyinka noted, “It is necessary that we use all available means to ensure every Rwandan with some form of employment has social security coverage and can secure a source of livelihood during retirement.”
Challenges in the Informal Sector
Rwanda’s informal sector is largely composed of unregistered businesses that lack formal records or contracts. Workers in this sector often face job insecurity, unstable income, and limited access to social security benefits such as pensions and health insurance. In contrast, the formal sector, although smaller, consists of registered and taxed businesses that provide regulated employment and access to social security benefits.
Currently, Nkulikiyinka highlighted that it is challenging for seasonal or irregular workers to register with the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) because contribution payments are structured on a monthly basis. For instance, an artist who performs only three concerts a year may have income they wish to save for social security or pension, but the existing system requires fixed monthly contributions.
To address these issues, the government is seeking ideas on how to reform the laws and regulations to ensure that everyone can access social security coverage, regardless of employment type or income pattern. Nkulikiyinka stressed the need to review legislation on contribution requirements to make them more flexible and aligned with the realities of Rwandans’ diverse employment situations.
Technological Innovations for Registration
Among the reforms being considered is the use of technology to simplify registration and contribution payments. Nkulikiyinka explained, “We want to make it possible for employers to register and pay contributions using their phones, without having to visit RSSB offices.” Additionally, plans are underway to review current requirements for joining RSSB’s medical scheme, which currently mandates that private employers must have at least seven employees on their payroll to enroll.
On the issue of non-compliance in the informal sector, Nkulikiyinka noted that labour inspectors are present in all districts to ensure that employers respect workers’ rights, including providing written contracts and timely payment of wages. By law, an employer must issue a written contract for employment exceeding 90 days, and failure to do so attracts legal penalties.
Collaborative Efforts for Social Security
The ministry is also collaborating with cooperatives and small business associations to help members make collective pension contributions to RSSB. Nkulikiyinka stated that group registration facilitates mobilization and increases participation in social security schemes. “Having written contracts, timely payments, and regular social security contributions will ensure workers’ rights are respected and contribute to their welfare in retirement,” she emphasized.
Senator Adrie Umuhire, Chairperson of the Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights, expressed support for the reforms, stating that they aim to ensure that all elderly citizens live dignified lives and are not solely dependent on government support. She highlighted the importance of early preparation for retirement through savings and social security contributions.
Umuhire welcomed the ministry’s efforts to regulate the informal sector, noting that issues such as lack of written contracts and delayed payments remain widespread. She emphasized that all workers deserve protection and fair treatment, and it is crucial for them to have written contracts and timely payments for their work.
As the ministry continues consultations with relevant entities, experts, and beneficiaries, Nkulikiyinka reiterated the commitment to crafting effective solutions that address the identified challenges in Rwanda’s social security landscape.
Key Points
- Laws on pensions, maternity leave, and medical insurance to be reviewed by 2026.
- Focus on expanding coverage to informal workers, who make up 90% of the workforce.
- Consultative meetings ongoing to understand challenges faced by workers.
- Proposed use of technology to simplify registration and contribution payments.
- Collaboration with cooperatives to facilitate collective pension contributions.
Sources: Pension, maternity leave, medical insurance laws set for review
