Programme

Programme

08:30 – 09:00

Welcome and opening remarks 

Musa Mabesa, Principal Executive Officer – Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)

09:00 – 09:45

Keynote address 

Frans Baleni, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees – Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)

Topic: Geopolitical shifts and their economic implications for Emerging Market

Analysing how changes in global power dynamics affect trade, investment, and growth prospects in emerging economies and what role do governments policies and central bank interventions play in stabilising emerging markets.

9:45 – 10:45

Navigating Market Volatility:   Geopolitical considerations have become strong drivers of volatility and asset allocators, and investment managers need to navigate this uncertain terrain for the ultimate benefit members. Key considerations are:

  • Are old and established frameworks still relevant?
  • What changes need to be made in investment strategies to make them more resilient
  • What risk management strategies do you recommend for pension funds and retirement plans when navigating volatile markets?
  • How should asset allocation strategies evolve in response to increasing market volatility?
  • How effective is diversification in mitigating risks associated with market fluctuations? 
  • What asset classes do you consider most crucial for diversifying?
  • What role do government policies and central bank interventions play in stabilizing markets, and how should asset managers position themselves in response?
  • Looking ahead, what emerging trends do you anticipate will influence market volatility, and how should market participants prepare for them?

Moderator: Sifiso Sibiya

Discussants: 

  • Ann Leepile – CEO – M&G Investments Southern Africa
  • Colin Graham – Co-Head of Investment Solutions – Robeco  
  • Onno Steenbeck – MD – ALM and Solutions at APG Asset Management 
  • Ben Powell – Chief Investment Strategist for APAC – BlackRock Investment Institute (BII)

10:45 – 11:00

Break

11:00 – 12:00

Navigating Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Global Trade and Investments: Building a More Inclusive Future for Global Markets. 

Explore the pivotal role of diversity, inclusion, and equity in shaping the future of global trade and investments. With international markets becoming more interconnected, it is critical to examine how businesses, governments, and financial institutions can foster inclusivity, create fair opportunities, and promote equitable growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Moderator:  

Discussants:

  • Tryphosa Ramano – Independent Non-Executive Director – Public Investment Corporation (PIC)
  • Dr Achieng Ojwang – Executive Director – Global Compact Network South Africa
  • Aliya Farah Shariff – Senior Director Africa Catalytic Investment Fund – Mastercard Foundation

12:00 – 13:00

Funding Shortfalls in Pension Funds: Managing inadequate fund levels due to market performance or insufficient contributions to sustain benefits 

  • Impact of aging populations on pension liabilities.
  • Trends in life expectancy and its influence on payout duration.
  • Impact of market volatility on pension funding.
  • Changes in government regulations affecting pension plans.
  • Compliance issues and reporting standards.
  • Inflation and its impact on the purchasing power of pensions.
  • Interest rate trends and their effect on actuarial assumptions.
  • Economic downturns and their implications for funding.

Moderator: Geraldine Fowler – President – Institute of Retirement Funds Africa (IRFA)

Discussants: 

  • Jolly Mokorosi – Independent Trustee
  • Brian Karidza – Head of Actuarial Services and Benefits Administration – GEPF
  • Sebastien Betermier – Executive Director – International Centre for Pension Management (ICPM)
  • Martin Inkumbi – CEO/Principal Officer – Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) Namibia
  • Masotja Vilakati – Chief Executive Officer – Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) – Eswatini 

13:00 – 14:15

Lunch

14:15 – 15:15

The Role of Technology in Achieving Global Solidarity and Sustainable Development

Discussing how innovative technologies (AI, blockchain, renewable energy) can contribute to both global equality and environmental sustainability, and the impact of cybersecurity in shaping the way technology can contribute to global solidarity and sustainable development.

Moderator: Kabelo Makwane – Country Director – Google South Africa

Discussants:

  • Cambria Allen-Ratzlaff – UNPRI – Chief RI Ecosystems Officer
  • Makano Mosidi – PIC – Chief Technology Officer

15:15 – 15:30

Break

15:30 – 16:30

In Conversation with – Elias Masilela – Non-Executive Chairperson – Dna Economics 

Topic: Fair Trade and Global Solidarity: A Path Toward Sustainable Economic Relationships

Examining how fair-trade practices contribute to economic equity and solidarity between developed and developing countries, and their potential for fostering long-term sustainability.

18:30

Conference Dinner

08:30 – 09:00

Day 1 Recap – GEPF PEO

09:00 – 09:30

In conversation with the 1st Chairperson of the Board, Mr. Martin Kuscus and the current Chairperson, Mr. Frans Baleni on the “30 YEARS OF THE GEPF”.

09:30 – 10:30

Emerging Trends in Alternative Assets

How to navigate the rise of digital currencies and their place in investment portfolios, and how sustainable and socially responsible investing is influencing the alternative investment space. Also, how the growing popularity of investing in early-stage companies (Venture capitals & startups) as well as innovation in real estate investing through REITs, crowdfunded platforms, and international markets and opportunities in gold, oil, agriculture, and renewable energy investments influence alternative assets investment.

Moderator: 

Discussants: 

  • Gabriel Petre – Lead Investment Strategist – World Bank Pension and Endowment Department
  • Mike Heale – Head, Business Development – CEM Benchmarking
  • Rachel Moré-Oshodi – MD & CEO – ARM Harith
  • Ibrahim Buya – Senior Portfolio Manager – Fixed Income – NSSF Uganda

10:30 – 11:30

Limited Partner Diaries: 

This topic aims to highlight the key considerations of an LP within a Private Equity or Debt Fund. The main considerations are:

  • Valuation risk: Private market valuations are inherently subjective, and this creates are challenge when there are valuation reductions due to external factors, especially when these must be communicated to other stakeholders
  • Liquidity: How do different LPs deal with the lack of liquidity in the private market exposures
  • Exits and continuation: Several funds have reached their term, and LPs have to grapple with accepting ‘fire’ sales or continuation funds. How do different LPs deal with this?
  • Lower allocations: Regulation 28 has made it possible for LPs to allocate more to private market funds, however, allocations have yet to increase meaningfully. What is each LPs target allocation to private assets? Have LPs considered increasing their allocation and if not why?
  • Other considerations: Impact has private markets delivered on the promise regarding impact

Moderator: Xolani Nhlapo – Independent Specialist – GEPF

Discussants:

  • Thomas Mketelwa – KZN Municipal Pension Fund 
  • Sonja Saunderson – EPPF – Chief Investment Officer
  • Sujatha Haleem – Maldives Pension Fund – CEO
  • Kirima Wanjiru – Fundsatwork Umbrella Funds -Trustee

11:30 – 11:45

Break

11:45 – 12:45

The Future of Multilateralism: Challenges and Opportunities for Emerging Economies

How emerging markets can navigate and influence multilateral organisations (e.g., UN, WTO, BRICS) to foster economic growth and development.

Moderator:  

Discussants: 

  • Solomon Quaynor – Vice President for Private Sector – African Development Bank Group
  • Alice Usanase – Vice President & Lead EMEA, Capital Mobilization & Partnerships Department – Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
  • Chris Chijiutomi – Managing Director and Head of Africa – British International Investment (BII)

12:45 – 13:45

Lunch

13:45 – 14:45

Topic: Leveraging Infrastructure Development for Economic Integration in Africa

Examining the role of infrastructure in promoting regional trade agreements, the role of digital infrastructure in facilitating trade in Africa and discussing innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure in Africa such as green and resilient infrastructure solutions, focusing on sustainability in urban planning, transportation, and energy sectors.

 

Speaker: Nonkululeko Nyembezi – Independent Non-Executive Chairman and B20 Co-Chair – SBG
and SBSA & B20 South Africa

14:45 – 15:00

Closing remarks, Day 2 Recap and Going forward

Musa Mabesa, Principal Executive Officer: Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)

Flow

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Copyright © 2025 GEPF. All rights reserved

It is my honour and privilege to host you at this prestigious and exciting conference, the GEPF Annual Thought Leadership Conference 2025. I look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town this October.

This year, our conference theme “Global instability and geopolitical risks”. As we stand at the intersection of challenges and opportunities in an interconnected world, we aim to explore how we can work together across sectors, regions, and borders to drive positive change. As a pension fund our focus this year is on economic resilience, sustainable development and investments, while inclusivity mirrors our own commitment to empowering individuals, communities, and organisations for long-term success.

We look forward to your attendance. Together, we will explore ideas that contribute to the global conversation on sustainability, economic progress, and innovative solutions for a brighter future. As the GEPF, we look forward to witnessing the dynamic discussions and knowledge sharing that will take place at the 2025 Annual Thought Leadership Conference. Networking is also one of the most valuable aspects of attending this conference.

This conference creates an opportunity to network and connect with fellow delegates, echoing the spirit of the interconnected world, where partnerships are forged for collective prosperity. We believe that these interactions can lead to collaboration, inspiration, and professional growth.

Finally, I would like to thank all the speakers who will be participating, for their time and sharing their knowledge. Your expertise will help shape the discussions that matter to our future on a global scale.

Once again, we look forward to hosting you. Thank you for your participation and commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive world.


Musa Mabesa – GEPF Principal Executive officer

Musa Mabesa

Musa Mabesa (ACCA) is the Principal Executive Officer (PEO) of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). He is a seasoned finance professional with over 17 years’ experience, 10 of which is in the pension fund industry, specialising in financial management and reporting, governance and corporate services.

Prior to joining the GEPF, Mr Mabesa worked for various private and public sector institutions in various positions. In 2011 he joined the GEPF as a Finance Manager and was subsequently appointed as Head of Corporate Services in 2017. In 2020 Mr Mabesa became the Principal Executive Officer of the GEPF.

Mr Mabesa holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree from University of London and Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Science (BCompt) from University of South Africa (UNISA). He is a Chartered Certified Accountant through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and is a member of the Institute of Directors Southern Africa.