‘All countries share a responsibility to work to build a more peaceful and more equitable world. This funding will go towards improving the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. It will be used, among other things, to provide people with access to food, electricity, water and sanitation, health services, education and jobs,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Prime Minister Støre announced Norway’s contribution ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

New situation for international aid

‘International aid is facing significant cutbacks. We must make smarter use of our aid funding. This allocation of NOK 3 billion is intended to be a significant contribution to achieving lasting development in Africa. Through partnerships and new solutions, we can mobilise more private capital for investments in sustainable development,’ said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

The African Development Bank has extensive experience of cooperating with the private sector. The Bank’s dialogue with the authorities in African countries on the reforms needed to improve framework conditions for the business sector is particularly important. The Bank’s efforts to strengthen national institutions and enhance economic governance across Africa are also vital.

Powerful tool for combating poverty

‘The African Development Fund is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty and in the efforts to follow up the Sustainable Development Goals and climate targets in the poorest African countries. The Fund provides long-term low-interest or interest-free loans and grants to the most indebted countries,’ said Mr Aukrust.

Norway’s total contribution in this replenishment round amounts to NOK 3.1 billion, an increase from the NOK 2.8 billion provided in the previous replenishment round. The allocation includes funding for debt relief. It also includes Norway’s increased support for climate change adaptation under the ADF’s Climate Action Window.

Some 30 or so Western and non-Western donors provide funding for the ADF through a triennial replenishment process.

‘A number of African countries are now indicating an interest in becoming new donors. This is a very positive development,’ said Mr Aukrust. 

The ADF plays a key role in the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide 300 million people in Africa with access to electricity by 2030. High priority is also given to efforts to promote women’s rights and gender equality. In 2024, the Government presented its new strategy for Norwegian engagement with African countries. This contribution to the ADF is part of the follow-up to the strategy.

Norway gives priority to providing core support to the ADF because it ensures predictability and allows for rapid adaptation to changing circumstances. This is vital in unstable situations such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, in connection with food crises, in settings of conflict and fragility, and at times of political upheaval.

The ADF ranks highly in international evaluations that assess whether aid is effective and delivers results.

Facts about the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund (ADF)

The aim of the African Development Bank is to promote economic and social development in Africa. The Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) sets out two main objectives: accelerating inclusive green growth and driving prosperous and resilient economies. Priority is given to infrastructure and energy, agriculture and food security, industrialisation and regional integration. The Bank seeks to address the underlying causes of displacement and forced migration, and attaches importance to strengthening economic governance and boosting employment for women and young people.

Norway and the other member countries take part in the general capital increases undertaken periodically by the Bank, through share purchases using annual contributions and associated state guarantees. Most of Norway’s core support to the Bank goes to the ADF, which offers technical assistance and funding in the form of heavily subsidised loans and grants to the 37 poorest countries in Africa. Some 30 or so Western and non-Western donors provide funding to the ADF through a triennial replenishment process. Donor contributions for the period 2026–2028 will be announced at the ADF’s 17th replenishment pledging session to be held in London in December.