Financing Social Protection in Eastern and Southern Africa
Expanded social protection coverage needed to lift children out of poverty
Highlights
This UNICEF policy brief highlights the importance of strong social protection systems in reducing poverty, addressing inequalities, and building economic resilience. The analysis reveals that countries in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) spend well below average on their social protection systems. Countries in the region allocate under 10 per cent of government expenditure to social protection, equating to just over US$2 per person per month. Children receive only a quarter of this spending, with only one in seven children under 18 covered. The brief urges expanded social protection coverage to lift children out of poverty – and focuses on the critical need for increased social protection financing.
