NSSF board chair hails digital reforms, urges wider coverage

Dar es Salaam. The Chairperson of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of Trustees, Ms Mwamini Malemi, has commended the Fund’s management for embracing digital transformation and rolling out reforms that have significantly improved service delivery, operational efficiency, and member satisfaction.

Speaking during the official opening of the NSSF’s 54th Workers Council in Tanga, Ms Malemi praised the strides made in modernising services through technology, including the launch of digital platforms for online member registration, account access, pensioner verification, and automated contribution collection.

“These reforms are not only modernizing operations but also reinforcing trust and transparency between the Fund and its members,” said Ms Malemi.

The Workers Council, convened to review the proposed 2025/2026 annual plan and budget, brought together NSSF management and employee representatives to chart a roadmap for the Fund’s future operations.

Ms Malemi urged the management to maintain the momentum by investing in innovative technologies and service delivery excellence, especially as the Fund seeks to expand its coverage to more Tanzanians—including the self-employed and informal sector workers.

“With a technology-driven and committed approach, NSSF is well-positioned to extend its reach and increase enrolment from underrepresented groups,” she noted. “High-quality service delivery will be key to attracting new members and ensuring compliance.”

She added that the government's goal, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is to increase the number of self-employed Tanzanians enrolled in the Hifadhi scheme—a voluntary social protection programme for informal workers.

“The NSSF has a pivotal role to play in realising this vision of an inclusive and sustainable social protection system,” she said.

Delivering his keynote address, NSSF Director General Mr Masha Mshomba stressed the importance of employer compliance, noting that delays in remitting contributions often lead to challenges during benefit processing.

“We are dealing with cases where retirees discover missing contributions only at the point of claiming benefits,” he said. “This delays payments as we have to reconcile records with employers. To avoid this, I urge all employers to fulfil their legal obligations on time.”

Mr Mshomba also revealed that the Fund’s asset base is projected to grow by 18 percent, from Sh9.9 trillion in June 2025 to Sh11.7 trillion by June 2026—a sign of growing confidence and performance.

Earlier, NSSF director of human resource management and administration, Mr Ekwabi Mujungu, welcomed delegates and called for their active participation in the Council’s deliberations.

“This is a platform for honest reflection and practical decision-making. Let’s ensure that the ideas we put forward here translate into real improvements on the ground,” he said.

The meeting comes at a time when the Fund is intensifying efforts to broaden social security coverage, enhance stakeholder engagement, and streamline pension services for a growing membership base.