UK and Ghana Host African Development Fund Conference

The United Kingdom and Ghana have jointly hosted the 17th replenishment (ADF-17) Pledging Conference of the African Development Fund in London on Tuesday.

The conference, held at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development headquarters, aimed to rally global support and resources for African member countries of the Bank.

This co-hosting arrangement highlights the strong partnership between Ghana and the UK in their commitment to fostering sustainable development and resilience across the African continent. The UK, a long-term investor in Africa, has been instrumental in shaping the Bank’s priorities, including addressing climate change, promoting economic recovery, and driving inclusive growth and job creation.

Senior leaders from across the continent and beyond attended the event, including Ludovic Ngatsé, Republic of Congo’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, who chairs the Boards of Governors of the African Development Bank, as well as presidents from the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and the OPEC Fund for International Development.

Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem MP, expressed his nation’s pride in co-hosting the conference and championing Africa’s development agenda. “Ghana is proud to have co-hosted this important conference and to champion Africa’s voice in shaping development priorities,” he stated. He further noted Ghana’s recent pledge of $16 million alongside four other countries, a first for their constituency, demonstrating a commitment to reforms and impactful partnerships.

UK Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between the UK and the African Development Bank. “The UK is proud to co-host the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund alongside the Republic of Ghana,” she said. Chapman highlighted the UK’s evolving role, transitioning from a donor to an investor focused on trade, climate, innovation, and amplifying African voices.

In May 2025, Ghana, alongside The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, pledged $5 million to the ADF, marking a significant step towards increased African ownership of its development. These countries have all undertaken fiscal and governance reforms in line with the Bank’s performance-based approach.

Ghana’s own efforts to boost domestic revenue through digital compliance and tax reforms were also highlighted, alongside successful ADF investments in women-led MSMEs and mini-grid solutions. The conference anticipates a substantial increase in contributions from African nations, signifying a growing commitment to self-determination.

The co-hosting role also aligns with President Mahama’s ‘Reset Agenda,’ which aims to position Accra as a central hub for global development dialogue and reform. This agenda advocates for a more equitable relationship between the Global North and South, prioritizing country-led development and fairer financial systems.

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