THE IRFA 2025 Conference heads to Cape Town with a bold agenda for policy, sustainability, and tech-driven change.
Cape Town will host Africa’s leading voices in retirement reform this August, as the Institute of Retirement Funds Africa (IRFA) stages its flagship 2025 Annual Conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Taking place from 25–26 August, the event promises to spotlight the future of retirement across the continent under the theme: “Building Resilience: Leading Change for a Lasting and Positive Impact.”
For a sector grappling with increased regulatory scrutiny, technological disruption, and shifting member expectations, the IRFA conference offers a crucial platform to explore solutions that address both immediate pressures and long-term structural shifts.
Reform, regulation, and resilience
Key on the agenda is the ongoing implementation of South Africa’s Two-Pot Retirement System, a seismic shift in how South Africans access and manage their retirement savings. As funds and administrators navigate the operational complexities of the new system, IRFA will convene panels to unpack early lessons, behavioural trends, and reform-led investment strategies.
“The retirement fund industry across Africa is experiencing unprecedented change,” said an IRFA spokesperson. “Our 2025 conference provides a vital platform for industry leaders to share insights and collaborate on solutions that will shape the sustainability of retirement provision for decades to come.”
Regulators, including the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the Pension Funds Adjudicator, will lead discussions on compliance, governance, and the broader regulatory reforms reshaping fund operations.
Pension funds as engines for infrastructure development
A major theme this year is how retirement funds can unlock infrastructure development on the continent while delivering sustainable returns for members. With Africa facing a substantial infrastructure deficit, pension funds are increasingly being positioned as strategic investors in public-private partnerships and alternative assets.
Day One of the conference delves into infrastructure and alternative investment strategies, with parallel sessions from asset managers and analysts exploring new investment vehicles, risk frameworks, and ESG-aligned infrastructure opportunities.
Speakers from major financial institutions—including Ninety One, FutureGrowth, Momentum Corporate, Old Mutual, Nedgroup Investments, Sanlam, Discovery, Alex Forbes, and Prescient—will present cutting-edge research and case studies across specialised tracks.
Member-centric innovation and tech integration
The second day focuses on member engagement, global investment themes, and emerging technologies. From artificial intelligence in fund governance to data analytics that enhance decision-making, the conference will explore how digital transformation is improving fund performance and customer experience.
Workshops on AI and cybersecurity will offer insights into building robust systems that protect member data while supporting more efficient fund administration and personalised financial advice.
Networking, learning, and sector influence
Beyond the formal sessions, IRFA 2025 is geared toward connection and collaboration. Delegates can expect structured networking sessions, a gala dinner with industry awards, and informal engagements with peers across the retirement ecosystem.
This year’s event is expected to attract a broad cross-section of Africa’s retirement sector, including trustees, fund managers, administrators, consultants, and regulators.
Registration open
Professionals interested in attending can register at https://irf-conference.co.za. Demand is high, so get your tickets early.
