Retirees and Community Integration: Myths and Realities for Sustainable Development in Africa

Abstract

Africa’s development aspirations are undermined by the persistent marginalisation of retirees, who represent a vast reservoir of skills, experience, and wisdom. This paper examines the myths and realities surrounding retirees’ roles in community integration and progressive development across Africa, with reference to global comparative contexts. Drawing on the social, economic, political, technological, and cultural dimensions of retirement, the study argues that Africa cannot fully realise its development potential, including goals articulated in Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA framework, without meaningfully engaging older citizens. The study employed a systematic integrative review methodology based on Whittermore and Knafl’s framework, drawing on diverse qualitative and quantitative evidence. Five hundred reviews from 2000–2024 were screened, of which twelve met the inclusion criteria and were critically examined across five integrative review stages: problem identification, literature review, data evaluation, data analysis, and data presentation. The paper finds that Africa can meet its development aspirations only when all citizens, regardless of age, social, political, or economic standing, are empowered to participate through inclusive economic, political, social, and technological frameworks. Strengthening integration programmes for retirees is therefore essential for sustainable and progressive community development across the continent.