The objectives of the PIA conference strive to pose as a platform for education and knowledge exchange; advocate for and promote the role of pension funds to help advance economic development of the continent while at the same time showcasing credible alternative investments with proven sustainable returns; offer a platform for networking and business development. That was told by the Managing Director at AME Trade Mahad Ahmed during the launch of the Pension Funds & Alternative Investment Africa held in July.
He enumerated: “Following two years of virtual conferences, it’s such a delight and breath of fresh air being back in Mauritius meeting physicals during the event consistently hosted on the local shores since 2017. I am glad to report to date we’ve over 130 delegates from 16 countries, over 40 speakers, and over 100 attendees joining us virtually.”
The year’s theme edition, “NAVIGATING THE RECOVERY – ALLOCATING TO ALTERNATIVES FOR HIGHER RETURNS AND SUSTAINABILITY”, he remarked has been carefully chosen to help reflect current developments in the pension funds and alternative investments industry. “The theme holds significance, particularly assessing the implications for African pension funds as we look at the global macro-economic outlook set against a period of rising interest rates, supply chain pressure still persistent on the back of the pandemic, the need to over challenges such as infrastructure development gap and the geopolitical discussion,” Ahmed observed.
The themes and implications mentioned by the Managing Director at Ame Trade Limited saw fruitful discussion by seasoned industry experts, including 40 speakers going into the fine details as he remarked on the anticipated pension fund reforms in some countries, accelerated shift to defined contributions in several countries as well as the gradual phasing out of defined benefits schemes, the post-pandemic investment climate, solutions for accelerating institutional investment in infrastructure, the challenges of energy transition and response to climate change as well investing for sustainable impact.
“Pensions are already powerful investment forces in Southern Africa has already started a period of fast growth across East and West Africa with some key markets clocking an annual growth of 20 percent and hoping the year’s event will continuously provide to date relevant information and analysis.
