Leveraging African Pension Funds for Financing Infrastructure Development

Abstract

This report explores the key issues surrounding pension funds as a source of financing for African infrastructure and makes a compelling case for reforming the continent’s pension schemes so they can serve as an integral component of the global approach to meet Goal 9 of the SDGs and Aspiration 2 of Agenda 2063. It begins by providing an overview of the gaps in African infrastructure, as well as the financial resources available to support infrastructure development. In the sections that follow, it illustrates pension funds’ untapped potential in the continent, highlighting international experiences with pension funds and the lessons learned from these cases. Then it concludes with policy recommendations for reforming pension schemes and fully capitalizing on the continent’s favorable demographic trends.