The Institute of Retirement Funds Africa (IRFA) announces its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Conference, scheduled for 25-26 August 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Under the theme “Building Resilience: Leading Change for a Lasting and Positive Impact,” the conference will bring together Africa’s most influential retirement fund leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to address the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
As Africa’s premier retirement sector gathering, the IRFA 2025 Conference promises to deliver a transformative experience for delegates seeking to navigate the complex landscape of modern retirement fund management. The two-day programme features world-class speakers, cutting-edge research presentations, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to equip industry leaders with the tools and insights necessary to drive lasting positive change across the continent’s retirement landscape.
Addressing critical industry challenges
The conference programme addresses several critical areas of focus that are reshaping the retirement fund industry across Africa. These include the ongoing implementation and impact of South Africa’s Two-Pot retirement system, the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into investment strategies, and the evolving regulatory landscape that continues to influence fund governance and operations.
“The retirement fund industry across Africa is experiencing unprecedented change,” said a spokesperson for IRFA. “Our 2025 conference provides a vital platform for industry leaders to share insights, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate on strategies that will ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of retirement provision across the continent.”
The programme features comprehensive coverage of infrastructure investment strategies, with particular emphasis on how pension funds can contribute to local infrastructure development whilst generating sustainable returns for members. This focus aligns with broader continental initiatives aimed at addressing Africa’s significant infrastructure deficit through innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships.
Our 2025 conference provides a vital platform for industry leaders to share insights, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate on strategies that will ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of retirement provision across the continent.
Distinguished speaker programme
The conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers representing leading organisations across the retirement fund ecosystem. Key presentations will be delivered by representatives from major fund administrators, investment managers, and regulatory bodies, including the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), and the Pension Funds Adjudicator.
Industry leaders from prominent organisations including Ninety One, FutureGrowth, Momentum Corporate, Old Mutual, Nedgroup Investments, Sanlam, Discovery, Steyn Capital Management, Alex Forbes, and Prescient will share their expertise across various specialised sessions. These presentations will cover topics ranging from credit strategies and infrastructure investment to sustainable investing principles and member-centric solutions.
Innovative programme structure
The conference features a dynamic programme structure designed to maximise learning opportunities and facilitate meaningful engagement between delegates. The format includes keynote panel discussions, breakaway sessions organised into thematic streams, synthesis panels that encourage interactive dialogue, and practical workshops addressing emerging technologies and methodologies.
Day One focuses on infrastructure and alternative investments, retirement reform, and sustainable investment integration. Delegates can choose between parallel streams covering infrastructure investment strategies and retirement reform in the morning, followed by sessions on purpose-driven investing and insights from the Two-Pot system implementation in the afternoon.
Day Two emphasises member-centric solutions and global investment opportunities, featuring sessions on supporting members’ financial decisions and exploring international investment themes. The programme concludes with a comprehensive workshop on artificial intelligence applications in pension fund governance and ESG investment preferences.
Regulatory and policy focus
A significant component of the conference programme addresses the evolving regulatory environment affecting retirement funds across Africa. Sessions featuring the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and the Pension Funds Adjudicator will provide delegates with essential updates on regulatory developments and compliance requirements.
The programme places particular emphasis on the ongoing implementation of South Africa’s Two-Pot retirement system, examining both the operational challenges and opportunities presented by this significant reform. Sessions will explore member behaviour patterns, administrative adaptations, and long-term implications for the broader retirement fund industry.
Technology and innovation
Recognising the transformative potential of emerging technologies, the conference includes dedicated sessions on the integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics in pension fund operations. These sessions will explore how technology can enhance governance frameworks, improve member engagement, and support more sophisticated investment decision-making processes.
The programme also addresses cybersecurity considerations and data protection requirements that have become increasingly critical as fund administrators adapt to new regulatory demands and enhanced digital service delivery models.
Networking and professional development
Beyond the formal programme, the conference provides extensive networking opportunities designed to facilitate relationship building and knowledge sharing among Africa’s retirement fund community. The programme includes structured networking sessions, a gala dinner featuring industry awards, and informal interaction opportunities throughout both conference days.
These networking components recognise the critical importance of collaboration and relationship building in addressing the complex challenges facing the retirement fund industry. The conference serves as a vital platform for establishing partnerships, sharing best practices, and developing collaborative solutions to common industry challenges.
Industry impact and outcomes
The IRFA 2025 Conference is expected to generate significant outcomes for the broader retirement fund industry across Africa. Previous conferences have resulted in policy recommendations, industry best practice guidelines, and collaborative initiatives that have enhanced the effectiveness and sustainability of retirement provision across the continent.
The conference programme is designed to produce actionable insights and practical solutions that delegates can implement within their respective organisations. Session formats encourage active participation and dialogue, ensuring that the collective expertise of attendees contributes to the development of innovative approaches to industry challenges.
Registration and participation
The conference is open to retirement fund trustees, principal officers, fund administrators, investment managers, consultants, and other professionals involved in the retirement fund industry across Africa. Early registration is encouraged due to limited capacity and the high level of interest typically generated by IRFA’s annual conference.
The Cape Town International Convention Centre provides a world-class venue that supports the conference’s objectives of facilitating meaningful engagement and professional development. The venue’s location in Cape Town offers delegates the opportunity to experience one of Africa’s premier business destinations whilst participating in this critical industry gathering.
About IRFA
The Institute of Retirement Funds Africa serves as the continent’s leading professional body for retirement fund practitioners. IRFA is committed to promoting excellence in retirement fund governance, administration, and investment management through education, advocacy, and professional development initiatives.
The organisation plays a vital role in shaping policy discussions, developing industry standards, and facilitating knowledge sharing among retirement fund professionals across Africa. IRFA’s annual conference represents the culmination of these efforts, providing a premier platform for industry advancement and professional development.
Conference details
Event: IRFA 2025 Annual Conference
Theme: Building Resilience: Leading Change for a Lasting and Positive Impact
Dates: 25-26 August 2025
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
Website: https://irf-conference.co.za/
For registration information, sponsorship opportunities, and additional conference details, interested parties are encouraged to visit the conference website or contact the IRFA secretariat directly.
