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Renewal of Documents is Mandatory
This article explains the procedure that allows insured persons to continue receiving social benefits from the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) each year.
As with all social security operations, the payment of benefits is regulated by law. The law requires insured persons to submit supporting documents for three main reasons: to verify eligibility, to prevent fraud, and to guarantee the continuity of legally established rights.
Verification of Eligibility
The documents submitted enable the NSIF to confirm that the insured person meets all legal requirements for a specific benefit. They ensure that the beneficiary’s situation matches the conditions set by law.
Fraud Prevention
Verifying documents helps reduce fraud and ensures that the correct benefit is paid to the rightful beneficiary.
Guaranteeing Continuity of Rights
The insured person (or their rightful claimants) has the right to receive social benefits as long as all eligibility conditions are met. These conditions include being up to date with online declarations, paying social contributions on time, and submitting authentic documents within the required deadlines.
Required Documents
The main documents requested include: a life certificate, a certificate of non-employment, a school attendance certificate for children up to 21 years, an apprenticeship certificate for children aged 14 to 18 who are in apprenticeship programs, a medical certificate for children with disabilities or serious incurable illnesses, a sworn statement of non-remarriage for surviving spouses, and a sworn statement of child custody.
Document Renewal Periods
To maintain an effective and up-to-date system, the NSIF requires beneficiaries under 70 years of age to submit their supporting documents each year between the 1st of October and the 31st of December. Beneficiaries aged 70 and above must renew their proof of life and identification twice a year: from the 1st to the 30th of June, and from the 1st of October to the 31st of December.
If documents are not submitted within these periods, the insured person’s rights are automatically suspended.
Simplification of the Submission Process
Although the regulations governing NSIF benefits identify the specific documents required, the procedure was simplified through Service Note No. 251/17/DG/CNPS of 18 July 2017, which was later modified by Note No. 271/17/DG/CNPS of 2 August 2017. These reforms introduced an NSIF form that the insured person can sign themselves, removing the previous obligation to obtain signatures from administrative or municipal authorities.
The introduction of the Sapelli Aïna application has further modernised this process. The application allows insured persons to register in advance with their Social Insurance Centre of Management, submit their periodic documents, and complete their identification digitally. This can be done from any location, within minutes, and without having to travel.
Other Important Details
Children eligible for benefits must reside either in Cameroon or in a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Cameroon, such as Gabon and France. For children living in countries without such agreements, parents must provide proof that the children remain financially dependent on them, particularly regarding housing, nutrition and education.
Summary
The renewal of periodic documents is a fundamental administrative requirement that ensures that all information about beneficiaries remains accurate and reliable. It helps the NSIF maintain control over eligibility, guarantee the continuity of rights, and prevent undue payments. It also strengthens internal controls, improves the quality of administrative data, and promotes the efficient use of resources. Ultimately, this process reinforces the trust that insured persons place in the management of Cameroon’s social security system.
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Review and Adoption of the 2026 Strategic Plan
The Board Members of the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) met on Wednesday, the 26th of November 2025, for their ordinary session. This meeting focused particularly on reviewing and adopting the strategic plan for the 2026 financial year.
The session was presided over by Mrs. Mohamadou née Bilitté Haman-Djoda, President of the Board of Directors. Proceedings began with the verification of the quorum, in accordance with the Institution’s governance requirements.
The agenda for the session included several key items. Board Members adopted the agenda and approved the minutes of the session held on the 20th of August 2025. They then examined the report on the implementation of resolutions from that previous session. The Board also reviewed the management report as at the 30th of September 2025, which presented the Institution’s operational and financial performance over the first three quarters of the year.
A major highlight of the session was the review and adoption of the 2026 strategic plan. The plan outlines the NSIF’s main priorities for the coming year, reflecting its commitment to modernising services, strengthening financial performance, and ensuring the long-term protection of the rights of insured persons. The Board also reviewed the 2026 recruitment plan and the budget for the 2026 financial year to support effective implementation of the strategic plan.
In addition, the Board assessed matters related to investments, internal procedures, and the replenishment of advance funds.
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The NSIF Strengthens its Investment Strategy in line with ISSA Standards
The Board Members of Cameroon's National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) met on Tuesday, the 25th of November 2025 at the Mbalmayo International Conference Centre (CICM) for a strategic training session dedicated to the International Social Security Association (ISSA) investment guidelines.
The session began with a minute of silence in honour of the late Rosalie Mbarga, who represented the Ministry of Justice on the Board of Directors. Until her recent passing, she also served as President of the Reprieve Committee, where her dedication, rigor and strong sense of public service left a lasting mark on the Institution.
Delivered with technical support from Harvest Asset Management, the training forms part of the NSIF’s ongoing commitment to improve and professionalise the management of social security funds. It aligns with ISSA standards, widely recognised as an international benchmark for governance, prudential management and the performance of social protection systems.
The ISSA reference framework outlines seven key principles for responsible and sustainable fund management. These include clear and well-documented investment convictions, robust governance with a strict separation of roles between the Board, the investment committee and management, rigorous risk management supported by scenario analysis and stress testing, controlled portfolio diversification, integration of ESG/SRI criteria, transparent and regular reporting, and strict due diligence in both internal management and outsourcing processes. These principles are essential for Social Security Institutions, which must ensure liquidity, manage institutional risks effectively and remain accountable to citizens and public authorities.
During the exchanges, attention was also given to ISSA’s specific recommendations for African social security funds. These focus on strengthening governance independence, progressively diversifying assets, establishing a controlled risk budget, investing prudently in high-impact national projects such as infrastructure, health and education, and enhancing transparency through regular and accessible communication. These recommendations are fully aligned with NSIF’s strategy to build trust among insured persons and ensure disciplined, efficient and transparent management of its investments.
For the NSIF, investment is a key driver in ensuring the long-term sustainability of resources. It helps secure the uninterrupted payment of benefits and supports the overall stability of the system. Diversification across real estate, financial markets and infrastructure, combined with strengthened risk-management tools, contributes significantly to the resilience of the scheme.
This training session comes at a pivotal moment, marking an important step toward aligning national practices with global standards. The ultimate objective remains clear: guaranteeing security, liquidity and sustainable returns, which are the three pillars that underpin the investment mission of a modern and high-performing Social Security Institution.
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Voluntary Insurance Showcased at FETUC 2025
During the 14th edition of the Cameroon University Students’ Forum (FETUC), held from the 17th to the 19th of November 2025 at the Higher Teachers Training College (HTTC) in Yaounde, the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) is encouraging students to begin planning for their retirement as early as possible.
Beyond providing institutional support, the NSIF aims to promote youth leadership and foster a culture of social security by offering Voluntary Insurance at FETUC 2025. This initiative aligns with the event’s theme: ‘Entrepreneurial University, student-entrepreneur status and artificial intelligence: issues, challenges and opportunities’.
The opening ceremony, presided over by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education on the 18th of November 2025 in the 300-seat amphitheatre of HTTC, laid the foundation for an extended awareness campaign targeting students from Cameroon’s public and private universities, encouraging a dynamic youth committed to securing their future.
After the formal proceedings, which included speeches and presentations by university professors, participants visited the various public stands, including that of the NSIF. The stand was staffed by teams from the Social Insurance Centre for the Informal Sector, Yaounde (CPSSIY). Visitors were briefed on the benefits of subscribing to Voluntary Insurance, the process of transitioning to another social security scheme upon gaining employment, and the conditions for registration. Beautifully set up at the heart of the esplanade, the NSIF stand attracted numerous students, curious and conscious of the importance of safeguarding their retirement while also ensuring access to social benefits for their future employees, thanks to the Institution’s state-of-the-art digital tools.
FETUC, first held in 2017, is a platform that promotes a culture of dialogue and leadership among Cameroonian youths. It serves as a forum where students are empowered to contribute strategically to the development of Cameroon.
As the State’s principal instrument for ensuring citizens’ social protection, the NSIF actively supports these dynamic youths who recognize not only the importance of entrepreneurship but also the need to pursue it in a structured and sustainable manner.
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Honoring African Literature: the NSIF at the heart of cultural excellence!
The 33rd International Day of the African Writer- held at the Lycée Général Leclerc; precisely in the Salle des Actes-was marked by an honorary distinction awarded to the Top management of the Cameroon's Social Security Institution for their noteworthy engagement in promoting Cameroonian and African literature, by the Centre de lecture d'intitiation et d'intégration à la culture (CLIIC).
The African Literature day celebrated on the 7th of November globally-which highlights the richness, solidarity and diversity of the continent's literary heritage-unfolded in several stages including: a series of reading and writing conducted by distinguished authors; followed by a conference dedicated to the literary legacy of Professor Charles Binam Bikoï entitled: ‘La plume de la promotion des langues africaines’. It also featured an exhibition of African writers, a reading loud contest and concluded with awards presentation.
This latest distinction is yet another feather in the cap of the NSIF. Received on behalf of the Director General by the Director of Human Resources, Nana Bello, it highlights his unwavering dedication to celebrating African—and specifically Cameroonian—culture. Whether through the regular Literary Cafe, the creation of libraries within the NSIF structures, support for literary publications, or storytelling sessions that bring joy to children, he has made culture not just an accessory, but a vibrant part of the Institution’s identity.
