• Togo becomes the first African country to offer national health insurance to self-employed workers.
• The program enables informal sector workers to enroll digitally and choose tailored contribution plans.
• The reform expands Universal Health Coverage and targets millions excluded from traditional social security.

The International Labour Organization says informal jobs represent 85% of employment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Self-employed workers face significant obstacles in accessing health insurance.

Togo became the first African country on October 23 to launch health insurance dedicated to self-employed workers. The initiative fits into the Universal Health Insurance program (AMU), which the government deployed in January 2024.

Authorities launched official enrollment after they commissioned a digital platform designed by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). The tool allows artisans, traders, farmers and other informal sector workers to register with the CNSS-AMU by submitting personal information and selecting a contribution method.

Workers can contribute through different options: 10,000 CFA francs per month, 28,500 CFA francs quarterly, 54,000 CFA francs semi-annually or 102,000 CFA francs per year. Once enrolled, insured individuals will receive a card that grants access to all AMU health services nationwide.

Minister of Health Jean-Marie Tessi says: “This initiative will allow every self-employed worker, regardless of income or activity, to benefit from basic care without fearing financial ruin.”

CNSS Director General Ingrid Awadé says extending AMU to self-employed workers “marks the fulfillment of the promise of a social security system that is united, fair and sustainable.” She says the institution will ensure that no independent worker is excluded.

This step follows the recent extension of AMU benefits to widows, widowers and orphans. CNSS plans to expand coverage to additional socio-professional categories in the coming months.

This article was initially published in French by Esaïe Edoh, TogoFirst 

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum