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

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.