Nwuneli Appointed Champion for African Development Fund Replenishment
The African Development Fund (ADF) has appointed Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of the ONE Campaign, as Champion for its 17th replenishment cycle (ADF-17). The appointment comes as the Fund seeks to scale up catalytic investments to strengthen resilience, regional integration, and inclusive growth in Africa’s most vulnerable economies.
In her new role, Nwuneli will mobilise global support for ADF-17, amplifying the Fund’s visibility and engaging diverse stakeholders around its priorities, including climate adaptation and support for countries affected by fragility and conflict.
Valerie Dabady, Manager for Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships at the African Development Bank, said: “This partnership with the ONE Campaign comes at a critical moment for the African Development Fund. As Champion for ADF-17, Ndidi brings trusted leadership that will elevate the Fund’s visibility, highlight Africa’s development priorities, and reinforce the importance of long-term, impactful investment across the continent.”
A recognised authority on social innovation and development, Nwuneli has more than 25 years’ experience driving equity, food systems transformation, and youth empowerment across Africa. She founded LEAP Africa and African Food Changemakers, co-founded Sahel Consulting and AACE Foods, and currently serves on the boards of the Rockefeller Foundation, Stanbic IBTC Group, and the Bridgespan Group.
Responding to her appointment, Nwuneli said: “Africa stands at a pivotal moment, poised for growth and ready to drive greater contributions to the global economy. The African Development Fund plays a vital role in unlocking long-term prosperity, and I am honoured to serve as Champion for ADF-17 to help mobilise the bold support needed for inclusive growth and stronger communities across the continent.”
Established in 1972, the African Development Fund is the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group, providing critical resources to 37 low-income African countries. To date, it has committed more than $58 billion to projects that improve infrastructure, strengthen agricultural systems, advance governance reforms, and foster regional trade.
The pledging session for ADF-17 will be held in December 2025. A robust replenishment is expected to enhance the Fund’s capacity to deliver transformative, African-led solutions to the continent’s most urgent development challenges.
