Cambodia Expands Social Protection to 7.9m

Phnom Penh – Cambodia’s social protection system has more than doubled in reach since 2017, now covering over 7.9 million people, according to figures released at a national seminar on 19 March.

Chan Narith, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary-General of the National Council for Social Protection, said the expansion reflects significant progress in strengthening support for citizens. Coverage has grown from 3.3 million people in 2017, with the National Social Assistance Programme alone now reaching 4.84 million – around 28 per cent of the population.

The government has introduced new initiatives alongside existing schemes, ranging from family assistance packages and school meals sourced from local agriculture to vocational training for vulnerable youth. Relocation support for communities in Siem Reap province, the Health Equity Fund, and cash transfers for pregnant women and children under two have also been rolled out.

In 2025, the government allocated more than 1,027 billion riels (about $257 million) to fund these programmes. Meanwhile, the social security system covered 3.9 million citizens, supported by 1,700 billion riels (around $425 million) in government funding and member contributions. This system provides pensions, healthcare, and occupational risk protection.

Officials emphasise that the expansion demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to accountability and transparency in social protection. For many, the doubling of coverage marks a turning point in efforts to reduce poverty and vulnerability, ensuring that millions more citizens benefit from state-backed support.

-2026-03-20