The World Bank’s Partnership for Economic Inclusion has organised a Social Protection South-South Learning Forum to provide a platform for peer-to-peer learning on scaling evidence-based economic inclusion through government programmes.
The eighth iteration of this global event was held under the theme: “Economic Inclusion: Scaling up Pathways to Better Jobs for the Poor.” The forum, which was organised in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together over 250 participants from more than 50 countries, including policymakers and government practitioners. Discussions were anchored on insights from the latest State of Economic Inclusion report, launched in late 2025.
As an implementing country of the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP2), which has enrolled over 60,000 beneficiaries, Ghana shared its experiences and learnt from global best practices to enhance project outcomes. Ghana’s delegation from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) included Mr. Eric Tetteh-Addison, Director of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Professor Prosper B. Laari, National Coordinator of GPSNP2.
The others were Mr Desmond Duametu, Productive Inclusion Specialist of GPSNP2 and Mrs. Adwoa Asotia Boakye, National Engineer of GPSNP2. Professor Laari said the project had provided critical public assets such as roads, dams, and climate change mitigation interventions. He said over 75,000 beneficiaries had gained short-term employment, ensuring steady household income during agricultural off-seasons in 121 districts.
He said the initiative had improved access roads for agricultural produce, enhanced irrigation through newly constructed dams, and contributed to environmental sustainability through afforestation and commercial plantations. “Additionally, the Productive Inclusion component has empowered many poor households to establish income-generating enterprises,” the National Coordinator added.
He said to date, more than 25,000 beneficiaries had received grants of up to $300 to support their businesses. Professor Laari expressed enthusiasm for the peer review lessons gained, announcing plans for a West-West learning forum to support other West African countries in managing safety net programs based on Ghana’s expertise. In a panel discussion on, “Designing for Impact: Programmatic Adaptations to Scale,” Mr. Duametu showcased Ghana’s journey in expanding its Productive and Economic Inclusion programme.
He detailed its evolution from a 2015/2016 pilot benefiting 7,072 people in eight districts of the Upper East Region, to a nationally scaled initiative reaching over 60,000 beneficiaries across 108 districts, with an urban model launched in late 2024. Meanwhile, Mrs Adwoa Asotia Boakye also highlighted Ghana’s transition to digital implementation of Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW), replacing manual processes over the past decade.
Mr Tetteh-Addison emphasised the decentralised nature of GPSNP2, which allowed local-level implementation, thereby promoting sustainability. He said economic inclusion remained a key investment priority for sustainable poverty reduction, with the potential to create lasting employment opportunities for the poor and vulnerable, particularly women and youth.
Source: GNA
