Interview: Deka Ahmed Robleh
In what ways has the primary health care system improved in recent years?
DEKA AHMED ROBLEH: The implementation of universal health insurance (UHI) and the operationalisation of universal medical coverage have incentivised the flow of private capital into the primary health care system. Since UHI’s rollout in 2014, industry stakeholders have succeeded in further liberalising the sector by establishing public-private partnerships, thereby reducing inefficiencies and maximising human capacity development. The subsequent increase in private clinics and private diagnostic laboratories has not only enhanced the technology underpinning primary health care delivery, but also increased access to higher-quality primary health care.
By what means are pension and social funds accelerating socio-economic growth?
ROBLEH: The CNSS recorded positive results between 2020 and 2023, averaging growth of more than 5.5% per annum, thanks to efficient management and a rise in GDP. This expansion has helped generate equity capital to fulfil its social-protection mandate, which covers collecting contributions, ensuring universal health coverage, raising awareness of occupational health and safety risks, safeguarding maternal health, granting family allowances and disbursing retirement payments to senior citizens.
Our investment strategy reflects a long-term horizon. This approach entails generating additional income and strengthening our contribution to economic development. This is reflected in the fund’s $10m stake in the regional Trade Development Bank (TDB). The net internal rate of return of our shares is estimated at between 11.7% and 12.3%, with a possible exit after a minimum holding period of five years.
Further underscoring the value proposition of this investment is TDB’s sound financial health, demonstrated by a 10% return on equity and a leading role in the economic development of the COMESA zone. Moreover, this acquisition facilitates sustainable investment by aligning with an institution committed to furthering the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our investment policy prioritises prudent asset allocation and applying best practices of international pension and social funds to ensure that resources generated by assets are aligned with beneficiaries’ liquidity requirements. This necessitates transparent and rigorous governance since the fund targets asset diversification to gain exposure to the insurance, real estate and industrial pharmaceutical sectors.
What is your evaluation of digitalisation in the administration of social-protection programmes?
ROBLEH: Digital technologies have proven transformative across a range of domains, including health care, occupational safety, contribution collection and data exchange. The fund has capitalised on digital adoption to enhance the delivery of quality services to policyholders and users via two platforms created in March 2023. One of these is the MyAfia application, which enables policyholders to schedule appointments directly with their practitioners and consult their medical files digitally. The second application, CNSS & Moi, allows members to manage their contribution statements and benefits remotely. This tool also helps employers view their employee roster and update their payments.
Data analysis and protection are also critical to the effective administration of social security. By digitalising social programmes and analysing the data, we can improve service delivery by tailoring new benefits to beneficiaries according to their needs. This process fosters good governance by affording a tool for cost projections, ensuring the long-term viability of the fund. Alongside this is the implementation of a strict data-protection policy through the Information Systems Department, equipped with the most secure technologies. This mitigates the risks of data misuse while maximising the benefits for all stakeholders.
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