Ghana and UK lead resource mobilisation drive for African Development Fund

The United Kingdom and Ghana have 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 development across the continent.

The high-level conference was held on December 17, 2025, at the headquarters of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and underscored the shared commitment of Ghana and the UK to strengthening sustainable growth, resilience, and inclusive development in Africa.

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

Speaking at the event, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, said Ghana was proud to co-host the conference and play a leading role in shaping Africa’s development priorities.

“Earlier this year, Ghana joined four other countries in pledging US$16 million to the ADF, the first time all five countries in our constituency contributed,” he said, describing the move as a demonstration of Africa’s commitment to reform-driven partnerships that deliver tangible results.

UK Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman, reaffirmed her country’s long-standing partnership with the African Development Bank, noting that the UK is shifting from a traditional donor role to one focused on investment.

“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 decision to host the first Private Sector Mobilisation Day in London, highlighting 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 have included financing for women-led MSMEs and renewable energy mini-grid solutions.

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

Ghana’s co-hosting role aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader Reset Agenda, which seeks to position Accra as a hub for global development dialogue and advocate for fairer global financial systems.

The UK’s renewed Africa strategy similarly emphasises partnerships based on equality, trade, climate action, innovation, and African-led development.

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