AAPS examined how Africa can use more of its long-term savings to finance development while protecting the interests of the members who own those savings.
Putting pension capital to work responsibly
Pension capital is built gradually through members’ contributions and must be managed prudently. Its long-term nature also makes it well suited to carefully selected investments in infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare, energy and digital connectivity. With sound governance, appropriate risk management and credible returns, such investments can protect member value while strengthening economies, improving services and creating employment.
This reflects NSSF’s commitment to sustainable wellbeing. Believing in our members means safeguarding their savings today and making disciplined investment decisions that support their future.
Participants at the All Africa Pension Summit, including Prime Minister Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja (centre-left) and Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi (centre-right), where the Kampala Declaration was adopted in November 2025.
Turning dialogue into action
The Summit was designed to move beyond dialogue towards measurable outcomes. Delegates adopted the Kampala Declaration as a shared framework for mobilising pension capital across Africa. They also agreed to pursue policy and governance reforms, strengthen domestic capital mobilisation, widen social security coverage, improve financial literacy and integrate environmental, social and governance considerations into investment decisions.
The Project Room was launched to connect pension funds with an initial pipeline of at least ten vetted projects valued at a combined USD 1 billion or more. Delegates also supported the development of regional investment consortia, an infrastructure co-investment framework and a digital knowledge platform for sharing pension-sector knowledge and proven practices.
These commitments respond to two interconnected needs: African economies require long-term development financing, while pension funds need suitable investments that can preserve and grow member value. Bringing the two together requires properly prepared projects, clear revenue models, strong governance and rigorous due diligence.
Smartlife market
An NSSF employee assists a customer during an outreach activity in Bududa District, Eastern Uganda.
Expanding social security coverage
The Summit also addressed low social security coverage across Africa, particularly among informal workers, women and young people. Delegates considered mobile micro-pensions, flexible contributions, simplified identification processes and partnerships with savings groups, financial technology companies and telecommunications providers.
NSSF will lead an informal-sector coverage pilot targeting 500,000 savers, supporting the Fund’s ambition to make social security more accessible while generating valuable lessons for Uganda and other African pension systems. Success will depend on affordable channels, clear member education, dependable service and strong data protection.
Strengthening Uganda’s continental role
The establishment of the AAPS Coordination Office and Implementation Working Group in Uganda positions NSSF at the centre of the Summit’s implementation and follow-through. The Fund will coordinate progress on the regional investment pipeline, co-investment framework, knowledge platform and inclusion initiatives.
This strengthens Uganda’s position as a convenor in pension reform and long-term investment. It can also help attract responsibly structured capital into national priorities such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare, affordable housing and digital development.
The Summit’s delivery model also demonstrated the value of partnership. Registrations and sponsorships generated more than UGX 1 billion, reducing the cost borne by the Fund while strengthening relationships that can support continued continental collaboration.
From milestone to measurable progress
AAPS will be held biennially, with the next edition planned for March 2027. The 2027 Summit will provide an important accountability point for assessing progress against the commitments made in November 2025.
AAPS brings the Fund’s theme to life. We believe in our members by placing their long-term wellbeing at the centre of decision-making. We believe in shared progress by working with institutions across Africa. And we believe in Uganda’s potential by connecting responsible pension investment with sustainable national development. The inaugural Summit was an important milestone. Its lasting value will be measured by how effectively its commitments improve member outcomes, strengthen Uganda’s economy and contribute to Africa’s long-term prosperity.
