Ghana and UK spearhead African Development Fund resource drive

The United Kingdom and Ghana jointly co-hosted the 17th replenishment pledging conference of the African Development Fund (ADF-17) in London, bringing together African governments and global development partners to mobilise financing for sustainable development across the continent.

The high-level conference, held on December 17, 2025, at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) headquarters, highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to fostering inclusive growth, resilience, and development in Africa.

Key attendees included Ludovic Ngatsé, Chairperson of the Boards of Governors of the African Development Bank, Congo’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, and the presidents of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and the OPEC Fund for International Development.

Representing Ghana, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem expressed pride in co-hosting the event and Ghana’s role in shaping Africa’s development priorities. He noted that earlier in the year, Ghana, along with four other countries in its constituency, pledged a combined US$16 million to the ADF—a first for the group. “This demonstrates Africa’s commitment to reform-driven partnerships that deliver tangible results,” he said.

UK Minister for Development Jenny Chapman reaffirmed the UK’s long-standing partnership with the African Development Bank and highlighted the country’s shift from traditional donor support toward investment-led engagement. “The UK is proud to co-host the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund alongside the Republic of Ghana. We support the Bank in driving sustainable and inclusive growth on the continent—for the benefit of both the UK and our African partners,” she said.

Chapman also welcomed the inaugural Private Sector Mobilisation Day in London, underscoring the City of London’s role in attracting investment for Africa.

In May 2025, Ghana pledged US$5 million to the ADF alongside The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan—an unprecedented move that signalled growing African ownership of the continent’s development agenda. ADF-supported projects in Ghana include financing for women-led MSMEs and renewable energy mini-grid solutions.

The ADF-17 replenishment is expected to see increased African participation, reflecting stronger domestic reforms and a greater commitment to co-financing development initiatives.

Ghana’s co-hosting role aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader Reset Agenda, aimed at positioning Accra as a hub for global development dialogue and advocating for fairer global financial systems. The UK’s renewed Africa strategy similarly focuses on partnerships grounded in equality, trade, climate action, innovation, and African-led development.

Both countries called on development partners to sustain momentum and continue supporting the African Development Fund in meeting the continent’s growing financing needs.