Category: Africa

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Le Fonds africain de développement lance le Rapport 2025 sur la performance et les résultats du Fonds africain de développement (FAD-16) : « Stimuler la croissance inclusive par des investissements stratégiques pour des résultats probants »

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a publié, aujourd’hui, son Rapport 2025 sur la performance et les résultats du Fonds africain de développement (FAD-16), qui démontre l’impact significatif du Fonds dans le soutien au développement durable des pays africains à faible revenu.

Télécharger le rapport : 
https://apo-opa.co/3W0IhLn  
https://apo-opa.co/42BmAoV

Dans un contexte international marqué par des turbulences économiques, un endettement croissant et des défis sécuritaires, l’Afrique continue de faire preuve d’une remarquable résilience. Le rapport 2025 sur le FAD-16 illustre la réponse du Fonds africain de développement à ces défis ainsi que son engagement à accélérer la transformation structurelle, renforcer la résilience climatique et stimuler la croissance inclusive en Afrique.

Le rapport a été publié à l’occasion de la troisième réunion de reconstitution des ressources du FAD-17, qui se déroule du 7 au 9 octobre à Lusaka, en Zambie.

Des résultats transformateurs en 2024

Intitulé « Stimuler la croissance inclusive par des investissements stratégiques pour des résultats probants », le rapport met en lumière l’impact transformateur du Fonds africain de développement en 2024.

Les investissements du Fonds ont aidé 2,9 millions de personnes à accéder à des services d’eau potable, raccordé 500 761 personnes à l’électricité (dont 251 766 femmes) et amélioré les services de santé pour 1,2 million de personnes. Ils ont également soutenu 24 403 entreprises agro-industrielles (dont 8 380 dirigées par des femmes), plus de 520 000 agriculteurs avec des technologies résilientes au climat, et construit ou réhabilité 614 kilomètres de routes, améliorant ainsi l’accès au transport pour 3,5 millions d’Africains. En outre, le Fonds africain de développement a contribué à la création ou au soutien de 115 564 emplois directs et 449 224 emplois indirects, tout en améliorant l’accès aux services TIC de base pour 1,3 million de personnes.

De nouvelles priorités stratégiques

Le rapport met en lumière les initiatives transformationnelles du Groupe de la Banque, notamment la Mission 300, un partenariat crucial avec la Banque mondiale visant à fournir un accès à l’électricité à 300 millions d’Africains d’ici à 2030, avec des engagements de plus de 55 milliards de dollars des deux institutions et d’autres partenaires du développement.

L’action climatique est devenue une priorité centrale du Fonds africain de développement : le Guichet d’action climatique (Climate Action Window en anglais) a mobilisé avec succès 442 millions de dollars, et 99% des nouveaux projets financés par le Fonds intègrent désormais des mesures de résilience climatique. Le Fonds a également renforcé son attention sur la fragilité et les conflits en appliquant systématiquement une « approche fragilité » dans toutes ses opérations.

L’autonomisation des femmes et des jeunes reste un axe prioritaire du Fonds africain de développement : toutes les opérations soutenues par le Fonds sont désormais classées avec un marqueur genre, et 96% des nouveaux projets incluent des composantes d’égalité de genre.  Plus de 290 000 emplois directs et indirects ont été créés pour les jeunes âgés de 15 à 35 ans en 2024.

« Ensemble, avec ambition et solidarité, engageons-nous avec la jeunesse africaine pour écrire un nouveau récit fait de croissance, de résilience et de prospérité partagée », a déclaré M. Sidi Ould Tah, président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement. Avant d’ajouter : « C’est un moment déterminant. Le Fonds africain de développement est prêt à répondre aux aspirations de l’Afrique en s’appuyant sur des partenariats stratégiques et sur l’innovation afin de gagner en rapidité, en synergie, en ampleur et en impact. »

À propos du Rapport sur la performance et les résultats du FAD-16

Le rapport évalue les résultats de développement obtenus par le Fonds africain de développement lors du 16e cycle de reconstitution de ses ressources (2023-2025) dans ses 37 pays bénéficiaires, en couvrant les opérations achevées en 2024, avec des points saillants sur les nouveaux investissements approuvés.

Le rapport présente également l’état d’avancement des engagements institutionnels du FAD-16. Complétant la Revue annuelle de l’efficacité du développement (RAED), qui couvre les opérations du Groupe de la Banque, il se concentre spécifiquement sur l’impact du Fonds africain de développement sous ses deux piliers stratégiques et ses thèmes prioritaires transversaux. Il sert d’outil phare de redevabilité et d’évaluation des performances du Fonds.

Pour accéder à l’intégralité du rapport, veuillez cliquer sur ce lien (https://apo-opa.co/3KJDbRd).

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations : www.AfDB.org

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African Development Fund Launches African Development Fund (ADF-16) Delivery and Results Report 2025: Driving Inclusive Growth through Strategic Investments for Impactful Results

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) today released its African Development Fund (ADF-16) Delivery and Results Report for 2025, demonstrating the Fund’s significant impact in supporting sustainable development across Africa’s low-income countries.

Download Report: 
https://apo-opa.co/3W0IhLn 
https://apo-opa.co/42BmAoV

In a global context marked by economic turbulence, mounting debt, and security challenges, Africa continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. The 2025 ADF-16 report illustrates the Fund’s response to these challenges and its commitment to accelerating structural transformation, strengthening climate resilience, and driving inclusive growth.

The report was released during the third meeting on the ADF-17 Replenishment which is taking place in Lusaka, Zambia, from 7-9 October 2025.

Report reveals transformative results for 2024:

Titled “Driving Inclusive Growth: Strategic Investments for Impactful Results,” the report highlights the transformative impact of the African Development Fund In 2024.

ADF investments helped 2.9 million people gain access to clean water services, connected 500,761 people to electricity (including 251,766 women), and improved health services for 1.2 million people. Operations also supported 24,403 agribusinesses (including 8,380 led by women), over 520,000 farmers with climate-resilient technologies, and constructed or rehabilitated 614 km of roads improving transport access for 3.5 million people. The Fund created or supported 115,564 direct jobs and 449,224 indirect jobs, while improving access to basic ICT services for 1.3 million people.

New Strategic Priorities:

The report spotlights the Banks transformational initiatives, notably Mission 300, a partnership with the World Bank aiming to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, with commitments worth over $55 billion from the two institutions and other development partners.[1]

Climate action has become a core priority of the African Development Fund: The Climate Action Window (CAW) successfully mobilized $442 million, and 99% of new ADF-funded projects now incorporate climate resilience measures. The Fund has also reinforced its focus on fragility and conflict by systematically applying a “fragility lens” across all operations.

Empowerment of women and youth remains a key focus of the Fund: All ADF-supported operations are now classified with a gender marker, and 96% of new projects include gender equality components. Additionally, over 290,000 direct and indirect jobs were created for youth between the ages of 15 and 35 in 2024.

“Together, with ambition and solidarity, let us engage with Africa’s youth to forge a new chapter of growth, resilience, and shared prosperity,” said Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group. “This is a defining moment. The African Development Fund stands ready to meet Africa’s aspirations, leveraging strategic partnerships and innovation for speed, scale and impact.”

About the ADF Delivery and Results Report

This report assesses development results delivered by the African Development Fund (ADF) in its 16th replenishment cycle (2023-2025) across its 37 beneficiary countries, covering operations completed in 2024, with highlights of newly-approved investments.

The report also summarises the progress on implementing ADF-16 institutional commitments.  Complementing the Annual Development Effectiveness Review (ADER) which covers operations of the Bank Group, it focuses specifically on the ADF’s impact under its two strategic pillars and cross-cutting priority themes. It serves as the Fund’s flagship accountability and performance review tool.

Click here for the full report (https://apo-opa.co/42xTeaS).

[1] Development partners including the French Development Agency, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the OPEC Fund for International Development made commitments.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Deputy President Mashatile to undertake a Working Visit to Turkey

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will undertake a Working Visit to the Republic of Türkiye to co-chair the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Türkiye, scheduled to take place on 15 October 2025 in Ankara, Türkiye. 

The BNC will be convened in accordance with the Agreement establishing the Bi-National Commission to be chaired at the Deputy President and Vice-President level respectively between the two countries that was signed in 2012. Deputy President Mashatile will therefore co-chair the inaugural SA-Türkiye BNC with his counterpart, the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Mr Cevdet Yılmaz. 

The purpose of the BNC is to serve as a structured platform for enhancing and coordinating political, economic and social cooperation between South Africa and Türkiye. 

Through regular high-level dialogue and joint decision-making, the Bi-National Commission will provide both countries with an opportunity to conclude long pending draft agreements, review existing instruments and explore new areas of cooperation in the political, economic, social, justice and security sectors. A number of cooperation agreements are envisaged to be signed in this regard.

In addition to his participation at the BNC, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to also pay tribute to Türkiye’s founder and first President, Mr Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, at the Antakabir Mausoleum; hold a tete-a-tete with his counterpart Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz; as well as pay a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Mr Recep Erdogan.  

Subsequently, the Deputy President will travel to Istanbul for economic diplomacy engagements, including addressing the 5th biennial Türkiye-Africa Business Forum (TABEF) taking place on 16-17 October 2025. 

South Africa’s participation at the TABEF and bilateral meetings with key role players are expected to elevate trade relations with Türkiye and cement South Africa’s position as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and a key partner in Africa and the Global South.

While in Istanbul, the Deputy President will also participate in the South Africa-Türkiye Business Council and engage with Turkish investors with interest in the South African market. The Deputy President will also address the closing ceremony of the Türkiye Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) on 17 October 2025.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia De Lille; Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube; and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Zoleka Capa. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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World Mental Health Day focuses on mental health and substance abuse

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s mental health system is currently facing an increasing challenge due to substance abuse, which is putting immense pressure on public health facilities, emergency services, and mental health professionals. 

This situation often leads to complex diagnoses that require multidisciplinary care.

The Department of Health said addressing substance abuse challenges necessitates enhanced prevention, rehabilitation, and health promotion interventions at all levels of the health system.

To this end, the department has decided to observe World Mental Health Day in 2025 by bringing together various stakeholders and individuals who share a common goal to improve mental health and address substance abuse issues. 

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October and serves as a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.

The event will focus on sharing information, best practices, and providing feedback on the impact of current interventions, allowing for necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcomes.

Today, the department is holding a media and mental health stakeholder engagement session to discuss the burden of mental health in South Africa, including the leading contributing factors and recommendations for improving mental healthcare.

“Mental health conditions are among the leading causes of disability globally and also impose high costs on households, employers, and economies,” the department said. 

According to new data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than one billion people are living with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, most do not receive adequate care. 

“This has the potential to inflict huge human and economic tolls requiring a greater investment and action to scale up services to protect and promote people’s mental health.” 

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, along with Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, and other provincial MECs for Health, will participate in a panel discussion on mental health.

They will be joined by representatives from key organisations, including Shenaaz El-Halabi from the WHO, Cassey Chambers from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, and Professor Solomon Rataemane, who represents the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health. 

Health professionals and individuals with lived experiences of mental health conditions and drug dependency will also contribute to the discussion.

This session is part of this year’s World Mental Health Day commemorative activities, which will be held under the theme: “Together for Mental Health.” 

This theme emphasises the importance of collective support and connection in promoting mental health, highlighting how collaboration fosters a sense of belonging.

“The theme also highlights the importance of stakeholders working together further to strengthen access to mental health services across the country,” the department explained. 

The WHO urges all countries to speed up the implementation of their action plans aimed at improving mental health for their populations. 

This includes integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and general hospital care. 

The department said the goal is to enhance access to care, reduce the treatment gap, combat stigma, and promote overall mental well-being.

The day will start with a walkabout in selected areas within the health facility to showcase some of the progressive interventions and investments that strengthen mental health and substance abuse service provision. 

The walk-about will also include interactions with frontline health workers who manage substance abuse patients, affected patients to better understand the challenges that they are experiencing, and to collaboratively find solutions. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government notes operations by law enforcement agencies in Gauteng

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 10, 2025

Government has noted the ongoing operations by law enforcement agencies and the subsequent public interest they have generated. 

“These operations fall within the normal scope of their mandate to investigate matters and recover assets.  The public is reminded that such activities are a standard and essential part of government’s fight against corruption, ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law,” said Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi. 

Baloyi said law enforcement agencies should be afforded the space to conduct their work without disruption or interference. 

“Government is confident that law enforcement agencies will at all material times act in full compliance with the law,” he said. 

This follows a raid at the home of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya. A task team raided Sibiya’s home in Centurion on Thursday, seizing cellphones and a laptop as part of an ongoing investigation into criminal syndicates in the province, to which Sibiya is allegedly linked.

The raids were also conducted at the home of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s Chief of Staff, Cedrick Nkabinde.

In Johannesburg, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) carried out a raid on a luxury mansion of Hangwani Maumela, a central figure in the Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal.

Sibiya is expected before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee next week; he will also testify at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Both bodies are probing allegations of criminal and political interference within the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government launches MzansiXchange to improve evidence-based policy

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has taken a significant step towards transforming the management of its data through the launch of the MzansiXchange – an initiative that will enable evidence-based policymaking and real-time data verification between departments.

The pioneering data exchange initiative is led by the National Treasury that seeks to address the data landscape, which has been characterised by fragmentation, siloed systems, and limited interoperability.

“These challenges have constrained our ability to make evidence-based decisions, deliver integrated services, allocate resources efficiently, and build public trust in government systems. MzansiXchange addresses these gaps by enabling secure, structured, and coordinated data sharing across government,” National Treasury Director-General (DG), Dr Duncan Pieterse said on Thursday.

The launch of South Africa’s Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government in May 2025, paved the way for this initiative.

The roadmap forms part of Operation Vulindlela Phase II, a joint National Treasury and Presidency initiative. It provides the strategic direction for government to modernise services, break down data silos, and build the digital public infrastructure (DPI) required for inclusive growth. 

The roadmap has four key pillars: Data Exchange, Digital Identity, Digital Payments and Digital Services.

“MzansiXchange is not a central data repository. It does not store any data. Instead, it acts as a secure bridge – a structured and governed exchange that allows departments to retain ownership of their data, while sharing their data with other authorised entities, when needed. 

“This approach balances departmental data sovereignty with secure, cross-government data sharing through a structured and governed framework,” Pieterse said

Addressing the launch of the MzansiXchange Pilot Launch in Pretoria, the DG said the prototype has been built with X-road as the foundational technology for the MzansiXchange, supporting flexible mechanisms and enhancing resilience with robust design, ensuring standards harmonisation, digital inclusion and long-term sustainability. 

MzansiXchange will have governance frameworks, standardised data protocols and will set clear expectations for metadata standards, data quality, and interoperability. It will provide standardised legal instruments – such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) – to guide secure and compliant data sharing.

The initiative will provide four distinct data access components, each designed to meet the needs of different users. 

The first pillar is data sharing for regulation, compliance, and verification. 

“This provides authorised public entities with real-time access to identifiable data for verification and compliance purposes. For instance, the data exchange can be used to securely verify key information when enrolling citizens into public programmes or grants – helping ensure accuracy while simplifying the process for applicants,” Pieterse said.

The second pillar is data sharing for evidence-based policy, planning, and research.

“MzansiXchange enables bulk sharing and integration of de-identified data from government institutions to a secure data facility. For example, de-identified administrative data – such as education outcomes, tax records, or social protection information – can be securely shared with a secure data facility,” he said.

This enables researchers and policymakers to generate insights that support more targeted, evidence-based decision-making and planning.

The third pillar is data sharing for operational analytics. 

This facilitates bulk transfers of both de-identified and identifiable data between public sector institutions to support service delivery and the fulfilment of operational mandates.

“For example, MzansiXchange can support the bulk sharing of financial and procurement data between public sector institutions – helping improve coordination and strengthening planning and oversight. Finally, the fourth pillar is open access data sharing.

“It enables users to explore data catalogues, dashboards, data stories, download aggregated datasets and view metadata through secure protocols. For example, the spatialised tax data housed within the National Treasury Secure Data Facility, local data and other insights will be shared via MzansiXchange,” the DG said.

This one-year pilot will test the MzansiXchange in real-world conditions, strengthening the foundations for a broader national rollout.

“MzansiXchange is a national commitment to harnessing data for the public good. It is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and transformation. The success of MzansiXchange depends on how each of us commits to supporting and using it. Ensuring that all departments work towards integrating and being able to fully leverage the potential of the MzansiXchange,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government to announce major nuclear energy expansion plans

Source: Government of South Africa

Government will soon make an announcement on plans to expand South Africa’s foray into nuclear energy.

This according to Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who delivered the opening address at the G20 Nuclear Energy Ministerial Conference held in Durban.

“[We] will be making big announcements next week, post-Cabinet. We are close to that. Our ambition is to build a new job program [of] at least initially the size of 5000 megawatts, and we think that we can derive the benefits of industrialisation and ensuring that there is exponential increase of the skills that are required to support that build program.

“Necsa [South African Nuclear Energy Corporation] is a big part of the conversation. As we know, we are running a 60-year-old research reactor. We are looking for suitors or partners to help us to take it to another level. We have seen that there is an insatiable appetite from across the globe to partner and work with us,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that small modular reactors [SMR] present a “pristine opportunity” for expansion going into the future.

“They are rapid deployment and the fact that they can be the production can be standardised, and therefore, reducing the long lead times. But most importantly, is to power the requirements of the artificial intelligence complex. 

“I think the prospect of locating data centres across various geographies is something that is particularly attractive, and we think that small modulary actors will help us,” he said.

Turning to the African continent, the Minister noted that the continent is an important producer of uranium – used for nuclear reactors – at 14% of global production with further untapped reserves.

Countries including Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana are either building, planning for, or considering nuclear power as a source of power.

“Africa’s time is now and given them huge endowments that we have, especially on uranium. Energy demand is going to grow exponentially on the continent as people experience upward social and economic mobility, as we bring people out of poverty and I think, nuclear to power is going to be a big part of the African story.

“A long-term view must be such that we are able to build infrastructure that will be a precondition for such enrichment to happen on the continent. We possess all the necessary apparatus that is required for us to participate meaningfully in the nuclear fuel cycle,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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In Zambia, African Development Fund reshapes the country’s agriculture and education landscape

Source: APO

Concessional financing from the African Development Fund (ADF) has been transformative for Zambia’s agriculture and education sectors, while “anchoring peace, prosperity, and regional competitiveness.”

ADF deputies, who are gathered in Zambia’s capital for a meeting on the Fund’s 17th replenishment, visited two project sites on Tuesday, 7 October – the new Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) fertilizer blending plant in Kafue; and upgraded facilities at the University of Zambia in Lusaka.   They were joined by government sector ministers who commended the Fund for its tangible impact.

The African Development Fund, the concessional financing window of the African Development Bank Group, has played a leading role in advancing Africa’s development. Established in 1972, the Fund supports 37 low-income countries, nearly half of which are fragile and conflict-affected

At Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri described the African Development Bank Group as a critical ally of the country, noting its support in helping the country shift from drought to surplus.

He commended the African Development Fund’s investment in the new blending and granulating facilities as “not merely financial but an investment in our farmers, in our economy, and in our future.”

“This achievement represents a significant leap forward in our capacity to meet the fertilizer requirements of the Zambian farming community,” the minister stated. “Beyond serving our domestic needs, Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia is positioning itself to penetrate export markets between 2025 and 2030, thereby contributing to Zambia’s role as a competitive player in the regional fertilizer industry.”

Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank Group, outlined the transformative results: “In the 2024/25 season, Zambia produced over 3.7 million metric tons of food—well above its national need of 2.5 million. That’s not just food security, that’s food surplus.”

The Zambia Emergency Food Production initiative has supported nearly 5,900 farmers—over half of whom are women—with subsidized, certified seeds and fertilizer through the digital platform ZIAMIS (http://apo-opa.co/4h72ZD9). Over 9,000 farmers are expected to benefit from approximately $35 million in financing this season.

A critical $1.3 million injection from the African Development Fund is setting Zambia on course toward fertilizer self-sufficiency with an expected 40% reduction in fertilizer costs—a game-changer for smallholder farmers. The Fund’s support provided the initial raw materials for the plant’s take-off.

At the University of Zambia, Vice Chancellor Professor Mundia Muya highlighted the impact of the Support to Science and Technology Education Project, another ADF-funded initiative, which is transforming higher education in Zambia.

“The University of Zambia has benefited immensely from our collaboration with the African Development Fund,” Muya told the visiting Deputies. “Before the project, many of our lecture theatres and laboratories were in a deplorable state, but they have now been fully modernised, providing a conducive environment for learning and research.”

Minister of Technology and Science Felix Chipota Mutati captured an even deeper significance of ADF investments across the country, emphasising how they have expanded access to tertiary and technical education to 250,000 students.

“When you are being lectured in a conducive environment, even your brain power becomes transformative,” Mutati told the visiting deputies. He underscored the social impact: “When you do that, you create peace in society. You create harmony. So, it’s not just about the investment—it’s anchoring peace and democracy through the transformation of Africa.”

Ms Akin-Olugbade framed the ADF-funded Zambia Emergency Food Production Facility’s achievements within the broader Africa Emergency Food Production Facility, as a continent-wide initiative supporting 20 million farmers and targeting the production of 37 million tons of food across Africa.

“While it was launched in response to a crisis, the Zambia Emergency Food Production Facility is about more than emergency relief. It’s laying the foundation for a more resilient, private sector–driven agricultural system—one that reduces dependence on imports and empowers Zambian farmers to feed the nation,” she explained.

The ADF-17 replenishment meeting is taking place in Lusaka, Zambia, from October 7 to 9 ahead of a final pledging session scheduled to take place in December 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:  
Emeka Anuforo,
Communication and External Relations Department;
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Forum for Resilience in Africa 2025: farmers must become providers of food aid, not recipients, say experts

Source: APO

Agricultural experts attending the 6th edition of the Africa Resilience Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4h4wohb), held in Abidjan from 1–3 October, have urged African governments to place greater value on farmers — transforming them from recipients of food aid into providers.

“Agriculture is a dominant activity in crisis zones. And we are told that without peace, there can be no development. But without food, there is no peace. It’s time to involve farmers in discussions on agriculture. Very often policies are drawn up without the farmers. We need to reach out to them and discuss solutions that concern them,” said Roland Fomundam, CEO of Greenhouse Ventures, a Cameroonian company specializing in greenhouse production.

Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) echoed this view: “Farmers are the private sector. They invest; they find solutions. We need to do better together. If we want to have a better impact on our populations, we need new matrices. For example, knowing how much we’ve improved producers’ incomes over a period of time.”

Both were speaking during a panel discussion titled “Achieving resilient and transformative impact for large-scale food security in Africa” on the Forum’s second day.

Also on the panel were Abdilhakim Yusuf Ali Ainte, Director of the Food Security and Climate Department in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia; Martin Fregene, Director of the Agriculture and Agribusiness Department of the African Development Bank Group; Rania Dagash-Kamara, Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization of the World Food Programme; and Felista Nyakio, an agripreneur from Kenya.

Drawing on Somalia’s experience, Ainte noted that Somalia had relied on its private sector, mobilising $6 billion, to boost its human capital and save lives. “The most important resource is the private sector. We need a dynamic private sector invited around the table to provide sustainable solutions,” he declared.

Martin Fregene emphasized that rebuilding Africa’s food systems does not require reinventing the wheel.

“Above all, we need to build on the existing production system. Small and medium-sized enterprises produce all the food we eat. We need to see how we can get them to double their production and ensure their survival,” he declared.

He pointed out that the Bank Group involves agricultural producers in the implementation of its agricultural program through direct financing, support for innovation, development of climate-resilient infrastructure and facilitating their access to agricultural inputs. The Bank also focuses on training, extension and networking for farmers, he added.

Felista Nyakio called for a change in perception towards the farming world. “Farming is perceived as degrading work. We need to start showing farmers that they are part of the nation and make children aware of the benefits of farming. Let’s get children to love agriculture,” she said.

The sixth edition of the African Resilience Forum (ARF), organised by the African Development Bank Group on the theme of “Prevention for better action: financing peace in a context of development cooperation in transition”, is a high-level event bringing together policy-makers and practitioners from the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

The forum provides an opportunity to explore strategies for intensifying prevention efforts and stimulating peace-promoting investments on the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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United Kingdom to host African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment pledging session, reaffirming strong support

Source: APO


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The United Kingdom has announced that it will host the 17th Replenishment pledging session of the African Development Fund (ADF)in December. The session will bring together development partners to agree on contributions for the ADF’s 2026-2028 cycle.

The UK’s Minister of State for Development and Africa, Baroness Jenny Chapman, made the announcement during her recent meeting with African Development Bank Group President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Baroness Chapman said the UK intends to make a strong pledge and encouraged all development partners to consider ambitious contributions to the 17th replenishment of the Fund.

“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.

The ADF is the African Development Bank’s concessional financing window for 37 of Africa’s low-income countries. It serves as a critical source of multilateral development finance, offering grants, low-interest loans, and guarantees tailored to countries with limited fiscal space. Since its establishment in 1972, the Fund has provided more than $45 billion in concessional financing to support African countries in expanding opportunity and resilience.

Baroness Chapman noted that the UK remains a key contributor to the Fund, providing substantial financial commitments and strategic engagement that help sustain development impact, even amid a tighter aid budget.

Dr. Ould Tah said: “The African Development Bank Group welcomes United Kingdom’s announcement to host the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment pledging session.”  He added: “It is a rallying call for a strong ADF-17 replenishment, which is both an investment in Africa’s development as well as in shared global prosperity.”

Ahead of the London meeting, development partners are working to advance the Fund’s financial innovations, notably the Market Borrowing Option, which for the first time will allow the Fund to leverage its equity to access capital markets and expand its resource base.

Several African countries have also pledged to the Fund, underscoring Africa’s commitment to investing in its own development and future.

Baroness Chapman also welcomed Dr. Ould Tah’s proposal for the UK to host a Private Sector Day for private companies and development finance institutions to explore approaches to foster investment opportunities across Africa. This is an initiative aligned with the African Development Fund’s objective of expanding private sector engagement in ADF countries.

Against a backdrop of economic strain and geopolitical uncertainty, concessional resources remain essential to safeguarding development gains and preventing reversals in fragile environments.

Over the past decade, the African Development Fund has connected more than 18 million people to electricity and enhanced agricultural productivity for 11 million farmers. It has improved access to water and sanitation for 48 million people and to transport for more than 87 million.

In 2021, the Centre for Global Developlment recognised the quality of the Fund’s development assistance, ranking it second among 49 bilateral and multilateral development agencies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Raquel Wilson
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org