The United Kingdom and Ghana co-hosted the African Development Fund 17th replenishment (ADF-17) Pledging Conference at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development headquarters in London on Tuesday.
The conference brought together global partners to mobilise resources for the Bank’s African member countries.
The co-hosted conference underlines the shared commitment of both Ghana and the UK to drive sustainable development and resilience across the continent.
As a long-term investor, the UK has helped shape the Bank’s focus on tackling challenges such as climate change, economic recovery, inclusive growth and jobs.
The African Development Bank is a key partner to its 54 African member countries, supporting them in delivering on these priorities.
The event was attended by senior leaders including the Chairperson of the Boards of Governors of the African Development Bank (Ludovic Ngatsé, Republic of Congo’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration), the President of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), the President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, and representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Thomas Nyarko Ampem MP, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, said, “Ghana is proud to have co-hosted this important conference and to champion Africa’s voice in shaping development priorities.
“Earlier this year, Ghana joined four other countries in pledging $16 million to the ADF, the first time all five countries in our constituency contributed. This demonstrates our commitment to reforms and partnerships that deliver tangible results for our people.”
UK Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman, said, “The UK is proud to co-host the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund alongside the Republic of Ghana.
“We have a long-standing partnership with the African Development Bank and support it in driving sustainable and inclusive growth on the continent – for the benefit of the UK and our African partners.
“We are delighted that President Tah decided to hold the first Private Sector Mobilisation Day here in London – recognising the vital role of the City of London in mobilising investment for Africa.
“The UK’s shifting role – from donor to investor – will support countries that want to grow their economies and ultimately exit the need for aid.”
In May 2025, Ghana pledged $5 million to the ADF alongside The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, marking a historic moment for African participation.
Each of these countries has pursued fiscal and governance reforms aligned with the Bank’s emphasis on performance and co-financing.
Ghana has scaled up domestic revenue through digital compliance tools and tax reforms.
ADF investments in Ghana have supported women-led MSMEs and mini-grid solutions, driving inclusive growth and energy access.
This replenishment is expected to see a significant increase in African participation, with contributions anticipated from several African countries, demonstrating Africa’s growing ownership of its development agenda.
Ghana’s co-hosting role also reflects President Mahama’s broader Reset Agenda, positioning Accra as a hub for global development dialogue and reform.
This initiative seeks to reshape the relationship between the Global North and Global South, advocating for country-led development models and fairer global financial systems.
Similarly, the UK’s approach to Africa launched yesterday emphasises a partnership of equals and shared prosperity, underlining its commitment to African-led institutions and investment.
Moving from donor to investor, the UK focuses on trade, climate, innovation, and amplifying African voices in global decision-making principles that align closely with the goals of the African Development Fund.
Together, the UK and Ghana reaffirm their shared vision of a prosperous, resilient Africa and call on all partners to sustain momentum in delivering on these commitments.
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