Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for stronger, more inclusive and sustainable pension systems across Africa to ensure that all workers, particularly those in the informal sector, enjoy adequate retirement protection.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th Annual Conference of the Africa Pension Supervisors Association (APSA) 2026, hosted in Accra by the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), the Vice President joined pension regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners and delegates from across the continent to discuss the future of pension administration in Africa.
In her address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that although Africa remains the world’s youngest continent, its population is steadily ageing, making it imperative for governments and stakeholders to build resilient pension systems capable of meeting the needs of future generations while safeguarding the welfare of today’s retirees.
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Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang- Right-Vice President of Ghana.
She stressed that pension reforms must prioritise inclusivity by extending retirement protection to the millions of workers in Africa’s informal economy who currently remain outside traditional pension schemes.
The Vice President also underscored the transformative role of digital technology and innovation in expanding pension coverage, improving service delivery, strengthening compliance and making retirement savings more accessible to workers across the continent. However, she emphasized+ that increased access must be accompanied by long-term sustainability to ensure pension systems remain effective for generations to come.
Touching on regional economic integration, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for labour mobility. She called for stronger collaboration among pension regulators and policymakers to develop frameworks that protect migrant workers and preserve pension rights across borders.
She urged participants to use the conference to advance key priorities, including accelerating pension inclusion, leveraging technology and innovation, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and reinforcing governance through transparency, accountability and robust institutions.
“The strength of our pension systems reflects how we honour those who have worked, sacrificed and contributed to national development, and how we support them when they need us most,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the Africa Pension Supervisors Association and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority for hosting the conference, expressing confidence that the discussions would generate practical solutions to build stronger, more inclusive and more resilient pension systems for Africa.
The conference brings together key stakeholders from across the continent to share experiences, explore emerging trends and develop strategies aimed at strengthening pension regulation and improving retirement security for African workers.
