ADF Amplifies Impact as It Gears Up for Crucial 2025 Replenishment
The African Development Bank Group’s African Development Fund (ADF), Africa’s largest concessional lender, is ramping up efforts to raise its profile as it prepares for a pivotal replenishment cycle later this year.
In a virtual media briefing on 29 July, co-hosted by the African Centre for Economic Transformation and the Global Strategic Communications Council, development partners, journalists, and policymakers discussed the Fund’s transformative role in supporting Africa’s most fragile states.
Valerie Dabady, Manager for Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships at the African Development Bank, said the Fund’s impact has often gone under-recognised.
“This is a pivotal moment to raise its profile, demonstrate impact, and unlock greater investment for Africa’s most pressing priorities,” she said.
She highlighted the Fund’s catalytic role in financing climate resilience, regional integration, and innovative funding models, noting that market borrowing and broader donor engagement will be key to future growth.
Zambia’s Assistant Director for Economic Management and Planning, Joseph Chanda, highlighted the Fund’s role in accelerating infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor, a strategic rail and road network linking Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.
By allocating 10% of national resources, Zambia leveraged over $330 million in co-financing through the ADF’s regional window. The Fund has also committed a $500 million grant to de-risk the project, which is expected to boost logistics, agriculture, and critical mineral mining.
Chanda further pointed to the Kazungula Bridge Project, which connects Zambia and Botswana over the Zambezi River. Supported by $68 million in ADF grants and loans, the bridge and its One-Stop Border Posts have eased customs procedures and reduced transit times along the North–South Corridor.
Kerezhi Sebany, Africa Director for Economic Opportunities at the ONE Campaign, stressed the importance of raising public awareness.
“When people know what the Fund is and what it delivers, it fosters transparency, trust, and partnership. Now is the time to tell the Fund story and tell it boldly,” she said.
The Fund is currently in its 17th replenishment cycle (ADF-17), with a consultative meeting scheduled for September, followed by an in-person session in Lusaka in October. The final pledging conference will take place in December 2025.
