Pension Systems in Africa: “ACAPS” Hosts a Strategic Conference in Marrakech on Enhancing Social Resilience
Marrakech hosted the sixth annual conference of the African Association of Pension Supervisors on July 10 and 11, organized by the Insurance and Social Security Supervisory Authority. This gathering comes at a time when there is a pressing need to rethink pension systems on the continent due to demographic, climatic, and economic challenges.
The high-level meeting was held under the theme “Enhancing the Resilience of Pension Systems in Africa,” with participation from regulatory bodies across various countries, alongside representatives from international organizations, research institutions, and experts in social governance.
The organizing authority, in partnership with the African Pension Supervisors Association (APSA) and the FSD Africa platform, aimed to foster in-depth discussions on modernizing regulatory mechanisms, developing inclusive systems, and aligning investment policies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements.
The conference program included several thematic sessions that primarily addressed:
- Transitioning to risk-based regulatory frameworks;
- Implementing proactive management of emerging risks, particularly those related to climate, cybersecurity, and demographic shifts;
- Developing an African classification for ESG standards that align with the continent’s unique characteristics;
- Exploring micro-pension models to expand social coverage for workers in the informal sector.
The conference transcended its technical framework to become a strategic platform for South-South cooperation at a critical moment when several African countries are undertaking structural reforms in their pension systems. This initiative aims to build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable systems that meet the aspirations of a young segment of the active population, despite volatile economic conditions.
By hosting this significant African event, the Insurance and Social Security Supervisory Authority reaffirms its role as a driving force in continental discussions on social protection, while strengthening Morocco’s position as a key player in the regional pension governance dialogue.
