By Ayomide Otitoju
President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Luxembourg Finance Minister Gilles Roth have pledged to deepen cooperation as preparations advance for the seventeenth replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17), the Bank Group’s concessional financing window.
The commitment was made during the leaders’ first official bilateral meeting since Dr. Ould Tah assumed office in September, held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings. Discussions highlighted Luxembourg’s ongoing support for sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa’s most vulnerable economies and reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Luxembourg and the AfDB.
Luxembourg, a leading contributor of official development assistance, consistently allocates 1% of its gross national income to development cooperation—well above the UN and OECD’s recommended 0.7% target. During the previous ADF cycle (ADF-16), Luxembourg contributed €12.7 million, a 10% increase from the prior cycle, reflecting confidence in the Fund’s impact, particularly in climate action, governance, gender equality, and private sector development.
“Africa’s development needs remain considerable, particularly in education, energy, technology, infrastructure, and the fight against climate change,” said Minister Roth. “Luxembourg’s financial expertise in sustainable finance and impact investing is well placed to channel private capital toward these priorities. We will continue working with the African Development Bank to strengthen Africa’s investment environment and build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future.”
Dr. Ould Tah described Luxembourg as “a steadfast partner” of the AfDB, emphasizing its leadership in sustainable finance and commitment to effective multilateralism. “As we move toward the ADF-17 pledging session in December, Luxembourg’s partnership will be key to mobilizing resources that drive resilience, inclusion, and shared prosperity, delivering impact beyond Africa’s borders,” he said.
Luxembourg’s engagement with the Bank extends beyond concessional financing. The country also supports the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund, where it is a founding donor, and the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility, both aimed at expanding market access, promoting financial innovation, and strengthening Africa’s private investment ecosystem.
Since its creation in 1972, the African Development Fund has financed nearly 3,000 projects totaling more than $45 billion, improving access to clean energy, food, education, and healthcare across 37 African countries, nearly half of which are fragile or conflict-affected.
The ADF-17 cycle aims to mobilize additional resources for transformative investments that generate jobs, build resilience, and unlock Africa’s economic potential, supporting global stability and shared prosperity.
