The strong partnership between the Judiciary and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has been credited as a key catalyst for enhancing efficiency, accountability, and inclusivity in Tanzania’s social security sector.
Speaking during a high-level engagement between Court of Appeal Judges and NSSF officials in Singida, Justice Augustine Mwarija who represented Chief Justice George Mcheche Masaju said the collaboration between the judiciary and institutions like NSSF is critical in resolving emerging legal and administrative challenges in social protection.
“This kind of engagement allows us to collectively address legal bottlenecks, share knowledge, and streamline justice delivery processes that directly impact pensioners and beneficiaries,” said Justice Mwarija.
He commended the Tanzania Judges and Magistrates Association (TMJA) and NSSF for organizing the session, calling it a key step in implementing the Judiciary's Strategic Plan 2021–2025, particularly the third pillar which emphasizes stakeholder participation in the administration of justice.
Justice Mwarija underscored that issues such as inheritance claims require an integrated approach and timely resolution.
He urged both institutions to develop collaborative systems that recognize legitimate dependents and accelerate the payout of social security claims.
In his presentation, NSSF Director General Masha Mshomba said legal reforms introduced in 2018 positioned the Fund as the sole social security provider for the private sector and self-employed individuals.
He noted that recent amendments to the NSSF Act (Cap. 50) in 2024 have expanded coverage and flexibility.
“Today, a member can be contributed to by more than one employer. Self-employed Tanzanians can now enroll through a mandatory scheme, and contribution periods beyond 60 years are officially recognized,” said Mr. Mshomba.
He also mentioned that penalties for late contributions have been reduced from 5 percent to 2.5 percent, easing compliance burdens.
The Director General reported that the Fund’s value has grown significantly from TSh 4.8 trillion in 2021 to TSh 9.6 trillion by June 2025, marking a 98 percent increase.
Member contributions doubled from TSh 1 trillion to TSh 2.16 trillion, while investment returns climbed from TSh 527.1 billion to TSh 543.5 billion.
Benefit payouts to members rose to TSh 947.2 billion in 2024/25, up from TSh 884.8 billion the previous year — a 7 percent increase. The Fund’s investment portfolio reached TSh 8.2 trillion, up from TSh 7.4 trillion.
To improve efficiency, NSSF now delivers 90 percent of its services digitally and is targeting a 24-hour benefit payment window for retiring members a major leap forward in service delivery.
Membership has also surged. By June 2025, NSSF had 1,816,026 contributing members, compared to 1,358,882 the previous year a 19 percent increase.
Mr. Mshomba attributed this to legal reforms that opened doors for every working Tanzanian, especially those in the informal sector, to join the Fund and secure future financial stability.
He further praised the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for creating a supportive policy environment that enables institutions like NSSF to thrive and deliver on their mandate.
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Mr. Mshomba cited some employers' failure to remit contributions on time or accurately reflect employee wages.
He noted that the Fund is intensifying education campaigns to promote compliance among employers and awareness among workers.
TMJA Court of Appeal branch chairperson, Justice Shabani Ally Lila, applauded NSSF’s initiative in convening the dialogue, stressing that it fosters institutional cooperation and safeguards members’ rights.
“This forum strengthens our ability to ensure that retirees receive their dues fairly and on time,” said Justice Lila.
Resident Magistrate Bupe Abonike Kibona, who also serves as Legal Assistant to a Court of Appeal Judge, said the session deepened judicial officers’ understanding of NSSF’s procedures and will enhance the handling of social security-related cases.
She also endorsed the Fund’s Hifadhi Scheme as an inclusive platform that allows all Tanzanians regardless of employment status to access essential social protection benefits.
Held under the theme “Timely Justice Delivery for the Advancement of Social Security”, the session brought together Judges, Registrars, Magistrates, and NSSF executives, marking a milestone in strengthening institutional collaboration for citizen-centered service delivery.