Denmark Boosts Support to Africa with 40% Increase in Contribution to the African Development Fund
Denmark has announced a substantial 40 percent increase in its contribution to the African Development Fund (ADF), pledging DKK 1.1 billion (approximately USD 157 million) to the Fund’s 17th replenishment (ADF-17). The pledge, unveiled on the sidelines of the 2025 Nordic-African Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, represents a major commitment to advancing sustainable development and climate resilience across Africa’s lowest-income countries.
The African Development Fund is the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group and serves 37 low-income African nations. Since its inception in 1972, the Fund has channelled more than USD 45 billion into transformative projects in sectors such as energy, agriculture, transport, governance, and regional integration.
Denmark’s new pledge underscores its deep partnership with the African Development Bank and reflects its commitment to multilateral cooperation and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also highlights the country’s leadership in addressing global challenges, including climate change, job creation for Africa’s youth, and resilience building in fragile states.
“Denmark is proud to increase its contribution to the African Development Fund, reaffirming our commitment to Africa and to strong multilateral cooperation,” said Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. “The Fund is a vital partner for African countries, delivering tangible impact on people’s lives. We encourage other countries to join us in supporting a robust replenishment. Only together can we meet the world’s most pressing development and climate challenges.”
African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould Tah welcomed the announcement, describing it as a clear sign of confidence in the Fund’s impact. “We deeply welcome Denmark’s strong leadership and early commitment to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment,” he said. “This 40% increase reflects not only trust in the Fund’s results, but also a shared vision of inclusive growth, resilience, and opportunity for Africa’s most vulnerable nations.”
Denmark’s contribution aligns with its recently launched Africa Strategy, “The African Century – Partnerships of Equals”, which places emphasis on climate adaptation, just energy transition, and sustainable private investment. Through this partnership, Denmark also aims to strengthen trade and investment links that support African economies while creating mutual opportunities for Danish businesses.
The ADF-17 pledging session is scheduled for December 2025, when development partners will formally confirm their contributions. Denmark’s early announcement sets a strong precedent for others and helps lay the groundwork for a successful replenishment that meets Africa’s development and climate ambitions.
