Welcoming over 120 physical delegates from 16 countries and well over a hundred virtual participants, the 5th Pension Funds and Alternative Investments Africa conference extensively explored the theme, “Navigating the recovery: Investing in alternatives for higher returns and sustainability”. We looked at the opportunity presented by alternative investments to achieve higher risk-adjusted returns and foster sustainable development on the continent. In a packed two-day programme of education and knowledge exchange, stakeholders networked and discussed the nature of the current global economic and geopolitical context. Valuable insights were shared informing the implications for pension funds’ investing activities going forward.
After a few years of virtual events, it was wonderful to be back in Mauritius and meet with so many people in person again, and we also appreciate the input from our speakers and participants who were unable to travel but took the time to join us online.
PI Africa 2022 was officially opened by The Honourable Minister of Financial Services & Good Governance, Mahen Kumar Seeruttun, who stated that the distinguished grouping of policymakers, fund administrators, investment professionals and investors gathered at the event demonstrated the growing interest for investment into infrastructure, private equity and venture capital in Africa.
We wish to reiterate our appreciation and gratitude to the government of Mauritius, our exceptional speakers and panellists, all delegates and our event sponsors.
The 5th annual event with a growing profile and industry following offers a good opportunity for pension funds and investment managers to exchange best practices in a dynamic setting.
PI Africa is the premier platform on the continent to connect African Pensions Funds, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Central Banks, Investors, and Regulatory bodies.
PI Africa is the premier platform on the continent to connect African Pensions Funds, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Central Banks, Investors, and Regulatory bodies.
Alternative investments were shown to have a proven role in enhancing the investment portfolios of African institutional investors such as pension funds. This included innovative alternative options matching short-term liquidity requirements such as ETFs and long-term options such as infrastructure, PE and corporate debt that preserve capital while providing good returns.
Extensive capacity building and transparency buttressed by continuous credible reforms were also seen as essential in enhancing the roles of government, regulators, trustees and others to create a more successful investment landscape in Africa.
Mauritius was once again showcased as an attractive investment destination and gateway into Africa recently strengthened by further reforms and new innovative fund structures.
“The key takeaway is simple, pension funds are here to stay, and they have a big role to play. Investment returns matter therefore diversity is critical but so is innovation because diversity will not come out of a vacuum. We are operating in Africa under challenging macro environments with small economies exposed to major geopolitical events. Demography is on our side because on average the pension funds are young so if you do take long-term positions we are likely to weather the short-term storms”
Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Director, Africa Finance Corporation.