This paper analyzes the extent to which rights-based social protection (i.e. social protection rooted in law and other statutory instruments) exists for self-employed informal workers in sub-Saharan Africa. It draws on data collected across 39 countries, which were selected to provide a balance of different legal systems (Anglophone and Francophone) and sub-regions (West Africa, Southern Africa and East Africa). Country selection was also based on an understanding that they had made some progress towards building social protection systems more generally. As such, the report may provide an overly optimistic view of social protection in the region.