Publication: Issues for Civil Service Pension Reform in Sub-Saharan Africa
Date
2016-11
ISSN
Published
2016-11
Author(s)
Schwarz, Anita M.
Abels, Miglena
Abstract
The paper summarizes the main factors
behind the projected increase civil service pension costs in
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It discusses the benefits and
potential downsides to unifying civil service and national
pension systems, drawing on regional and international best
practices and experience. The paper pays special
consideration to the differences between civil and national
pension reform, emphasizing the unique challenges in civil
service pension reform posed by the fact that the government
is the employer, the administrator of the pension fund, and
the guarantor of last resort of the pension system. Findings
in the report strongly suggest that civil service pension
reform needs to be on the agenda in SSA countries, as its
costs are beginning to crowd out other budget expenditures.
Among other conclusions and recommendations, the report also
urges practitioners to focus on the overall impact on
government finances and not on the finances of the pension
fund when undertaking civil service pension reform
separately from the national system. The paper is intended
to serve as a resource in civil service pension reform
efforts in the region.
Citation
“Schwarz, Anita M.; Abels, Miglena. 2016. Issues for Civil Service Pension Reform in Sub-Saharan Africa. Social Protection and Labor Discussion Paper;No. 1613. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/25364 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”