Conference Agenda
Introduction
In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and evolving global dynamics, Africa’s pension fund stakeholders face unprecedented challenges. The 6th Annual Africa Pensions and Retirement Funds Summit offers a platform to explore the impact of these factors on African pension funds and devise strategies for navigating these complexities.
“Rejuvenating and Reshaping Africa’s Pension Landscape amid Global Uncertainty”
Here's what we aim to discuss:
In the ever-evolving landscape of global geopolitics, currency volatility and high inflation, Africa pension fund stakeholders find themselves facing a myriad of challenges and uncertainties. Recent events and ongoing conflicts, notably involving China, the Ukraine conflict, and the Israel war, have significant implications for pension plans. China’s economic prowess continues to shape the global financial landscape, and Africa pension plans are not immune to its effects. The ongoing trade tensions between China and other major economies, including the United States, have raised concerns about the stability of global markets.
This program focuses on key areas for advancing Africa’s pension funds, including accelerating reform for local growth, navigating geopolitical uncertainties, addressing governance issues in defined contribution plans, reorienting asset allocation amid inflation, reassessing fixed income, clarifying South Africa’s two-pot retirement system for broader African learning, evaluating investment trends, mobilizing funds for productive activities and infrastructure development, and leveraging digital technologies for improved pension mobilization.
The Sessions
This event brings together African pension fund trustees, regulators, advisors, and stakeholders to address the challenges facing the pension sector. The sessions will include keynotes, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and cultural excursions. Below are the session formats, required infrastructure, and detailed schedules.
Kindly note that this is the Provisional agenda and is subject to change. The finalized agenda will be uploaded on the 12th of May 2025
Day 1: 13 May 2025
Day 2: 14 May 2025
- Session Topic: Pension Investment Resilience in a Multipolar World: Africa’s Strategic Position
- Delivering a Paper on Reorienting Asset Allocation in an Inflationary Environment.
- Panel Topic: Strengthening Pension Fund Governance: Transparency and Accountability Frameworks
- Session Topic: Why Defined Contribution Pensions are Africa’s future
- Session Topic: Using Pension Funds to Close the Infrastructure Gap in Africa
- Session Topic: From Charity to Sustainability: The Potential Role of Charitable Pension Funds in Addressing Income Inequality in Africa – Case of the Zakat Fund
- Session Topic: Managing member charges with the need for investment in alternatives and private markets
- Session Topic: Shifting Power Dynamics: Are Western Markets Becoming Irrelevant for African Pension Funds
Day 3: 15 May 2025
Session Topic: Accelerating Pension Reforms for Growth in Africa
- Session Topic: African opportunities through the lens of flexible income investments
- Session Topic:
Exploring Funded Pensions and the Informal Sector in Africa
Session 4: Breakout Sessions
Session A
- Session Topic: Unclaimed Benefits: Systems for Identification, Reunification, and Prevention
Session B
- Session Topic: The Digital Shift in Pension Fund Administration: Maximizing Reach While Minimizing Costs
- Session Topic: Pension Innovation: Empowering UK Savers Through Enhanced Experience and Access
Session Topic: Traditional vs. Alternative Investment Vehicles: Optimizing Returns for African Pension Funds
Day 4: 16 May 2025
Session Topic: Design Thinking Workshop – Creating Locally-Relevant Investment Products for Impact
- Session Topic: From Capital Guardians to Development Catalysts: The New African Pension Fund
- Session Topic: The Strategic Horizon Challenge
