NSSF Uganda Launches Three-Day Continental Pension Summit in Kampala
Kampala, Uganda
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda has opened a high-level three-day All-Africa Pension Summit in Kampala Wednesday 5th.November 2025, bringing together pension administrators, policymakers, investment experts and development partners from across the continent.
The summit, held at Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo, is convened under the theme:
“Pension Funds – Powering Africa’s Growth.”
The gathering aims to explore how Africa’s growing pool of retirement savings — estimated at over US$1.3 trillion — can be mobilized to fuel continental development, reduce reliance on foreign borrowing, and expand social protection coverage.
Ayota: Pension Capital Must Drive Real Impact
Opening the summit, NSSF Managing Director, Patrick Ayota, emphasized the need to rethink how pension assets are invested.
“These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet,” Ayota said. “They represent the future of millions of workers and the economic future of our countries. If strategically invested, pension assets can deliver both competitive returns and transform communities through jobs, infrastructure and essential services.”
Ayota added that Africa can no longer afford to leave its domestic savings under-utilized while borrowing heavily for development.
A Push for African-Led Financing
Delegates noted that while many African economies continue to depend on international aid or external financing, pension funds offer long-term “patient capital” that can be invested in priority sectors such as:
Affordable housing
Transport and energy infrastructure
Agro-industrial value chains
Health and education facilities
Digital technology and innovation hubs
The summit encourages collaboration between pension funds, governments, and private sector partners to design investable projects that safeguard workers’ savings while stimulating inclusive growth.
Focus on Informal Sector Inclusion
A key topic is expanding pension coverage to millions of Africans working outside formal employment systems — including farmers, market traders, transport operators and gig-economy workers.
Speakers stressed that universal retirement security is essential to dignity, resilience and social stability on the continent.
Three-Day Program Highlights
The summit runs through November 7, featuring:
Day Key Focus Expected Outcomes
Day 1 Vision-setting & state of pensions in Africa Shared frameworks for development-driven investment
Day 2 Financing infrastructure & affordable housing Design of new investment platforms and fund pooling models
Day 3 Expanding pension coverage & regulatory reforms Action roadmap and multi-country partnership commitments
A Turning Point for African Finance
With multiple African countries facing fiscal pressure, rising development needs and youthful populations entering the workforce, the summit is being viewed as a strategic moment to reshape how African economies finance their future.
The event is also expected to yield announcements on new collaborative initiatives, investment vehicle proposals, and reforms aimed at strengthening governance, sustainability and accessibility of pension systems.
About The Summit
The All-Africa Pension Summit is organized by NSSF Uganda in partnership with the Africa Social Security Association (ASSA) and regional pension sector leaders.
