Theme: Building Resilience: Leading Change for Positive and Lasting Impact

The IRFA 2025 Conference, titled “Building Resilience: Leading Change for Positive and Lasting Impact”, is designed to position Africa’s retirement sector as a proactive force in governance, advocacy, and collaboration. As the retirement landscape evolves, this theme underscores the importance of embedding governance principles, driving regional and global collaboration, and providing stakeholders with actionable insights.

The conference will equip retirement fund stakeholders, trustees, and policymakers with both practical tools for daily implementation and the strategic vision required for systemic advocacy. The ultimate goal is to create a resilient and impactful retirement ecosystem for all Africans, promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and better outcomes.

Overall Objectives

1. Embedding Governance for Positive Change

Governance in the African retirement sector goes beyond compliance. It involves embedding ethical practices, transparency, and accountability at every level of fund management. The conference aims to equip trustees, fund managers, and service providers with practical knowledge to strengthen governance and ensure member-centric policies.

2. Insights and Collaboration Across Borders

Regional and global collaboration are vital for fostering innovation and resilience in Africa’s retirement systems. By learning from both African and international case studies, participants will be empowered to advocate for and implement strategies that address local and regional challenges while leveraging global best practices.

These overarching principles – embedding governance and fostering collaboration – form the foundation of the conference, driving discussions across all focus areas and equipping stakeholders with the tools to create lasting, positive change.

Key Focus Pillars

Pillar 1: Investing for Economic and Social Impact

Investment in Africa’s socio-economic development requires responsible strategies that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Pillar One emphasizes the transformative potential of retirement funds in driving positive socio-economic outcomes.

Key Elements:

• Social, Governance, and Environmental Goals: Encourages strategies that prioritise governance, social equity, and environmental sustainability, tailored to Africa’s unique needs.
• Social and Infrastructure Investment: Showcases how pension funds contribute to local infrastructure development, positively impacting communities and economic growth.
• Case Studies: Examples such as Ghana’s Infrastructure Fund highlight successful ESG-driven investments.

Value for Delegates: Delegates will gain insights into how to integrate sustainable investment strategies into their operations, ensuring both financial returns and social impact.

Pillar 2: Operational Resilience for Stability

Operational resilience ensures that funds can adapt to disruptions while maintaining trust and efficiency. Pillar Two equips stakeholders with strategies to build robust operations, ensuring continued service in times of uncertainty.

Key Elements:

• Operational Fitness: Promotes fit-for-purpose operational practices that align with risk management and governance principles.
• Member Engagement: Emphasizes transparent, real-time communication to build member trust.
• Robust Risk Management Plans: Includes strategies for business continuity, ensuring uninterrupted operations during crises.

Value for Delegates: Delegates will leave with actionable strategies for enhancing operational resilience, focusing on robust risk management and member-centric practices.

Pillar 3: Landscaping for Future Reforms

Pillar Three explores the importance of preparing for and advocating changes in regulatory and policy frameworks, such as the Two-Pot Retirement System and the anticipated COFI reforms in South Africa. It also highlights how stakeholders can influence these changes while adapting to ongo0ing changes and transformation.

Key Elements:

• Anticipating Legislative and Policy Changes: Provides insights into upcoming reforms in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
• Expanding Inclusivity and Coverage: Advocates for broader retirement coverage and accessibility, aligning with global standards.
• Trustee and Member Education: Equips stakeholders with knowledge to navigate and implement reforms effectively.

Value for Delegates: Delegates will learn how to adapt to and advocate for policy changes, ensuring the retirement sector evolves in a way that benefits all stakeholders.

Highlighted Case Studies

South Africa’s Two-Pot Retirement System: Insights into regulatory adaptation and reform implementation.

UK Auto-Enrolment System: Lessons in expanding retirement coverage through automatic enrolment.

Ghana’s Infrastructure Fund: Demonstrates ESG integration and the socio-economic impact of infrastructure investment.

SA Government-Led Infrastructure Initiative: Examines local efforts to promote sustainable pension investments.

Conference Structure and Engagement Strategy

To maximise delegate engagement and foster actionable outcomes, the conference will feature:

• Structured Networking Opportunities: Dedicated sessions for connecting with peers and fostering collaboration.
• Interactive Breakaway Sessions: Region-specific discussions tailored to local challenges and opportunities.
• Diverse Speaker Line-Up: Thought leaders from across Africa and beyond, providing a range of perspectives and expertise.

Conclusion

The 2025 IRFA Conference Theme, “Building Resilient Futures: Leading Change for a Lasting and Positive Impact,” reflects IRFA’s mission to strengthen governance, foster collaboration, and equip stakeholders with the tools for impactful change. The conference will bridge practical skills with systemic advocacy, empowering participants to lead Africa’s retirement industry toward a sustainable and inclusive future.

Join us to explore innovative solutions, connect with thought leaders, and drive meaningful transformation in the African retirement sector.