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Want to Increase US Pension Fund Investment in Africa? Focus on the Actors Influencing the Asset Allocation Levers

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  • Daniel Preston

    (Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Bloomington School of Economics and Management (ISEG), Universidade de Lisboa)

Abstract

A large financing gap exists to meet the development needs of the African continent. This article focuses on US pension funds as potential candidates for increased investment by identifying the organizations and individuals with the most agency in determining asset allocations to African countries. Research and analysis indicate that external investment consultants, investment indexing firms, and the trustees hold the most agency. Asset managers, senior-level professional staff, and investment committee members have significant power, but to a lesser extent. Knowledge of relative agency should improve efforts by organizations seeking to increase US pension fund investment in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Preston, 2025. "Want to Increase US Pension Fund Investment in Africa? Focus on the Actors Influencing the Asset Allocation Levers," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 41(1), pages 108-142, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jodeso:v:41:y:2025:i:1:p:108-142
    DOI: 10.1177/0169796X241305852
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katharina Pistor & Martin Raiser & Stanislaw Gelfer, 2000. "Law and Finance in Transition Economies," The Economics of Transition, The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vol. 8(2), pages 325-368, July.
    2. Clark, Gordon, 2000. "Pension Fund Capitalism," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199240487.
    3. Verena Fritz & Kai Kaiser & Brian Levy, 2009. "Problem-Driven Governance and Political Economy Analysis : Good Practice Framework," World Bank Publications - Reports 16777, The World Bank Group.
    4. Robert L. Clark & Lee A. Craig & John Sabelhaus, 2011. "State and Local Retirement Plans in the United States," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 13685.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel Preston, 2026. "The Long Rise of Private Finance in Development and the Implications for Policymakers," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 42(1), pages 57-94, March.

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