São Tomé Workers Skip Social Security Contributions

About 70% of São Tomé and Príncipe’s workers don’t pay into Social Security, especially those in informal sectors.

The Social Security director, Gilmar Benguela, aims to change this to tackle poverty.

He says, “For the system to be strong, many must contribute. There’s a clear link between informality and poverty.”

Nearly 70% of São Tomé and Príncipe workers work informally, mainly in transport, fisheries, and trade. This group represents potential social security contributors currently outside the system.

Last month, the Social Security Department started registering independent workers.

With the International Labour Organization’s help, they focus on taxi drivers and motorbike taxi operators. The plan is to expand this to fishermen and fish sellers.

Benguela says the law requires 10 years of contribution on pensions for those nearing retirement without contributions. But anyone can join the system, no matter their age.

Many informal workers, especially in transport, might have made past contributions in other jobs.

They can continue paying to reach the required 10 years. Social Security even helps by covering some of these additional contributions.

Benguela clarifies, “From the pensions they get, we deduct a bit until their debt clears. Then, they get their full pension.”

Everyone must pay into Social Security, whether they work for themselves or someone else. Social Security offers pensions to those with at least 10 months of contributions.

On delays in benefit payments, Benguela blames companies for not sending wage details or making contributions on time.

Currently, Social Security serves nearly 7,000 pensioners. Between 28,000 and 30,000 workers are registered. Benguela wants to register more, especially those in informal jobs.

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