ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 10, 2025 — The United Kingdom has officially announced it will host the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment pledging session in December 2025, underscoring its enduring partnership and leadership in advancing Africa’s sustainable growth agenda.
The high-level meeting will bring together international development partners to agree on new contributions for the Fund’s 2026–2028 operational cycle.
The announcement was made by Baroness Jenny Chapman, the UK’s Minister of State for Development and Africa, during her recent meeting with Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Baroness Chapman emphasized that the UK intends to make a strong and ambitious pledge and urged other donor nations and institutions to follow suit in ensuring the success of the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment.
“The replenishment is an opportunity to signal our collective commitment to Africa’s growth and development, its institutions, and to innovative, modern approaches to development finance in a challenging global environment,” said Baroness Chapman.
African Development Fund’s 17th Replenishment: A Renewed Call for Global Solidarity
The African Development Fund (ADF) is the concessional arm of the African Development Bank Group, serving as a critical source of financing for 37 low-income and fragile African countries.
Since its establishment in 1972, the ADF has provided more than $45 billion in concessional financing, enabling countries to invest in essential infrastructure, social services, and resilience programs.
Baroness Chapman reiterated that the UK remains a key partner in the Fund’s work, contributing both financial resources and technical expertise.
“Even amid a tighter aid environment, the United Kingdom continues to prioritize Africa’s development.
Our commitment to the Fund is unwavering, and we will work to ensure that the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment delivers strong outcomes for all,” she said.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah welcomed the UK’s announcement, describing it as a major show of confidence in the Fund’s mission and impact.
“The African Development Bank Group welcomes the United Kingdom’s decision to host the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment pledging session.
It is a rallying call for solidarity and partnership — an investment not only in Africa’s development but also in shared global prosperity,” he stated.
Innovative Financing and Private Sector Engagement
Ahead of the London session, development partners are working to strengthen the Fund’s innovative financing mechanisms, including the Market Borrowing Option (MBO).
For the first time, this instrument will allow the Fund to leverage its equity base to access capital markets, expanding its resource capacity and financing reach.
Dr. Ould Tah explained that such financial innovation is essential to meet Africa’s growing needs:
“By expanding the African Development Fund’s financing toolkit, we can mobilize more resources, strengthen partnerships, and scale up the impact of our operations in low-income countries.”
Several African nations have also pledged contributions to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment, signaling a deepening commitment by African governments to invest in their own development priorities.
Baroness Chapman further welcomed the proposal for the UK to host a Private Sector Day during the replenishment meetings.
The event will gather private companies, institutional investors, and development finance institutions to explore new models of collaboration that accelerate investment across African economies.
“This initiative reflects the Fund’s evolving vision,” she noted. “By engaging the private sector, we can amplify impact, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth.”
A Legacy of Impact Across Africa
The African Development Fund continues to deliver measurable results across key sectors. Over the past decade alone, it has:
Connected 18 million people to electricity;
Improved agricultural productivity for over 11 million farmers;
Expanded access to safe water and sanitation for 48 million people; and
Enhanced transport connectivity for 87 million people across the continent.
Such outcomes illustrate the Fund’s catalytic role in fostering inclusive, sustainable development.
Against a backdrop of economic headwinds and global uncertainty, concessional resources remain vital for safeguarding progress and preventing setbacks in fragile states.
The African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment will be pivotal in ensuring that Africa’s most vulnerable economies continue to grow and build resilience amid these challenges.
Commitment to Quality and Accountability
The Centre for Global Development ranked the African Development Fund second among 49 global development agencies for the quality of its assistance, recognizing its efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
This strong track record reinforces donor confidence ahead of the upcoming replenishment.
With the United Kingdom leading preparations for the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment pledging session, partners are expected to reaffirm a shared vision for Africa’s transformation—anchored in sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact:
Raquel Wilson
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE:
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
