Strengthening Social Protection for Resilience, Inclusion and Targeting (SSPIRIT): Enhancing Livelihood Resilience in Bangladesh
The Strengthening Social Protection for Resilience, Inclusion and Targeting (SSPIRIT) initiative aims to modernise Bangladesh’s social protection system and strengthen livelihood resilience for vulnerable populations. The programme is implemented by the World Bank and supports the Government of Bangladesh in improving the delivery, targeting and coverage of social safety nets, ensuring that support reaches the poorest and most vulnerable groups. Through improved cash transfer systems, livelihood support services and stronger institutional frameworks, the initiative seeks to build long-term resilience among households facing poverty, climate risks and economic shocks.
Five-Axis Transformation via SSPIRIT
Data
The programme develops a national Dynamic Social Registry to consolidate beneficiary information and improve targeting of social protection services. By integrating data from different social safety net programmes, the system allows authorities to identify eligible beneficiaries more accurately and respond quickly to economic or climate-related shocks.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance
SSPIRIT strengthens institutional capacity within government agencies responsible for social protection. Technical assistance supports the design and implementation of improved safety net delivery systems, training officials to manage data systems, coordinate programmes and deliver integrated services to vulnerable populations.
Technology / Machinery
The project introduces digital systems to improve programme administration, including digital registries and integrated platforms for beneficiary management. These technologies enhance transparency, streamline service delivery and reduce administrative inefficiencies in social protection programmes.
Finance
The initiative expands poverty-targeted cash transfers and livelihood support services for vulnerable households. By combining financial assistance with complementary support—such as skills development, mentorship and economic inclusion programmes—the project helps households move from reliance on safety nets toward sustainable income generation.
Policy
SSPIRIT contributes to strengthening national social protection policy frameworks by improving programme coordination and aligning safety net systems with Bangladesh’s broader development and poverty reduction strategies. It supports reforms that enhance accountability, transparency and long-term sustainability of social protection programmes.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Expanded Coverage of Social Protection
The programme aims to extend support to millions of vulnerable individuals, including youth, women, persons with disabilities and climate-affected populations, ensuring broader access to safety nets and livelihood services.
Improved Targeting and Transparency
By introducing integrated data systems and digital registries, the initiative improves the accuracy and transparency of beneficiary identification, reducing exclusion and leakage in social protection programmes.
Enhanced Livelihood Resilience
The combination of cash assistance and livelihood support helps households build skills, access employment opportunities and gradually transition toward economic self-reliance.
Stronger Institutional Systems
Improved administrative systems, digital tools and coordinated policy frameworks strengthen the long-term effectiveness of Bangladesh’s social protection infrastructure.
Inclusive and Shock-Responsive Safety Nets
By linking social protection programmes with dynamic data systems and livelihood services, the initiative supports a more responsive safety net capable of protecting vulnerable communities during economic, environmental or social crises.