North Macedonia is in the final phase of launching the new integrated Social Welfare Information System (SWIS), which will streamline workflows for cash benefits, social services, and case management. The system is scheduled to go live in January 2025. In 2011, they developed the Cash Benefits Management Information System (CBMIS), which has been instrumental in managing all cash benefit programs. The development of SWIS builds on the lessons learned during the implementation and operation of CBMIS. 

In this session, they walked you through the entire process—from the planning phase and the activities that shaped the technical specifications to the software development process—highlighting the challenges encountered along the way. 

Speakers:  

• Ms. Wanza Mwathani, Advisor for Digital Social Protection, GIZ 

• Ms. Elizabeta Kunovska, Project Manager, Social Services Improvement Project, Second Social Services Improvement Project and Social Insurance Administration Project, Ministry of Social Policy, Demographics and Youth of the Republic of North Macedonia 

• Ms. Sanja Andovska, Procurement Manager and Assistant Project Manager, Social Services Improvement Project, Second Social Services Improvement Project and Social Insurance Administration Project, Ministry of Social Policy, Demographics and Youth of the Republic of North Macedonia 

• Ms. Anica Gjurovska, IT Manager, Social Services Improvement Project, Second Social Services Improvement Project and Social Insurance Administration Project, Ministry of Social Policy, Demographics and Youth of the Republic of North Macedonia 

• Ms. Natasa Tasevska Stojanovska, Social Protection Delivery System Coordinator, Social Services Improvement Project and Second Social Services Improvement Project, Ministry of Social Policy, Demographics and Youth of the Republic of North Macedonia 

• Mr. Ambrish Shahi, Senior Social Protection Specialist, The World Bank 

• Mr. Joe Zaarour, Digital Social Protection Advisor, World Food Programme 

Moderator: Mr. Sarang Chaudhary, Advisor for Digital Social Protection, GIZ