ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY, THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND DRAWS ACCOLADES, GRATITUDE, FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN AFRICA

• “The ADF has expanded opportunities and brought hope wherever it has operated in Africa” –Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

Panel of donor countries representatives during the 50th anniversary celebration of the African Development Fund.

The African Development Fund (ADF) has celebrated 50 years of driving socioeconomic development in Africa’s most fragile countries.

Held during the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings—23 to 27 May—the event brought together beneficiaries and donors to speak about the impact and performance of the Fund. It also featured live performance and video.

Ana Monteiro, an environmental project coordinator from Cabo Verde, testified to the African Development Bank Group’s role as anchor investor for Cabeólica Wind Power, a public-private project to harness the country’s abundant wind power. The company currently operates 30 wind turbines that generate nearly 30% of the island country’s energy needs.

Selina Avevor, a member of Kobiman women’s association in rural Ghana, appeared in person to discuss the training centre, water tank and 20-bed accommodation financed by the African Development Fund. Owing to this support, women in the community have gained the skills to produce liquid soap, bags, jewellery and other products and to earn a livelihood.

During a panel discussion, donors to the Fund expressed consensus about the importance and strategic impact of the Fund.

“The ADF has produced tremendous development results for the continent over the past 50 years. It’s been a critical partner for the United States and other donors who want to come and be partners in Africa and an African-led vision for stable, sustainable growth,” said Jessica Isaacs, Senior Advisor to the U.S Director, African Development Bank.

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