Administration, Delivery, and Creation of Public Value: Zambia’s Public Pension Fund

Abstract

This study pioneers the application of the Public Value (PV) framework to Zambia’s Public Pension Funds (PPFs); it explores stakeholder’s conceptions of public value and its alignment with Ubuntu principles. Through 47 in-depth interviews over 7 months, the research identifies challenges in addressing the growing elderly population’s needs and proposes reforms to improve the pension system. The study’s innovative alignment of PV with Ubuntu principles offers social solidarity and collective well-being. The research investigates how stakeholders’ conceptions of public value align with their goals, the existing administrative frameworks, and the needs of the PPFs, and implications for reforming PPF to better serve retired public servants and the growing elderly population. This qualitative study contributes to the understanding of public value in pension system reform and informs policy and administrative improvements for Zambia’s PPFs. Key findings highlight the need for aligning vision and mission statements with social protection goals and Ubuntu principles, addressing funding and technological constraints, enhancing transparency and stakeholder engagement, and digitizing and decentralizing services. This research seeking to improve public pension systems in Africa and beyond.