Abstract
Considers a package comprising universal old-age and invalidity pensions, and universal access to basic education, basic health care and a child benefit. Using the scenarios of a) a base case according to Millennium Development Goal indicators, b) national GDP specificity, and c) the base case plus targeted cash transfer to the poorest, finds that the costs of basic social protection appear to be within affordable limits for the period 2005-2034, provided that the seven African countries selected and donors make a strong commitment to poverty reduction.