Denmark has pledged DKK 1.1 billion to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment (ADF-17), marking a 40 percent increase from its previous support and reaffirming its long-standing commitment to Africa’s development. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 2025 Nordic-African Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, where Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen highlighted the importance of strong multilateral cooperation in tackling Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Rasmussen said the pledge reflects Denmark’s belief in the Fund’s crucial role in transforming lives across the continent, particularly in creating jobs for Africa’s youth and strengthening resilience in fragile contexts. He urged other nations to join Denmark in supporting the replenishment, stressing that collaborative action is essential to address global development and climate challenges.
The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, welcomed Denmark’s early commitment, describing it as a vote of confidence in the Fund’s impact and a shared vision for inclusive growth and resilience. “This 40 percent increase reflects not only trust in the Fund’s impact, but also a shared vision of inclusive development, resilience, and opportunity for Africa’s most vulnerable countries,” he said.
The African Development Fund, the concessional arm of the AfDB, has invested more than $45 billion since 1972 in 37 low-income African countries. Its support has been critical to advancing energy access, transport infrastructure, agriculture, governance, and regional integration — areas essential for unlocking sustainable growth and reducing poverty.
Denmark’s contribution is closely aligned with its new Africa Strategy, *The African Century, Partnerships of Equals*, which prioritises climate adaptation, private sector investment, and the development of regional markets. The strategy reflects a shift towards mutually beneficial partnerships that empower African countries to lead their development agendas while addressing global challenges.
The ADF-17 replenishment session, scheduled for December, will see development partners confirm their financial commitments. Denmark’s early pledge is expected to set the tone for a successful replenishment, encouraging other donors to scale up their support in line with Africa’s development priorities and global goals.
For Africa’s small businesses and emerging industries, this boost in funding could have far-reaching implications. Increased investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and climate resilience would expand opportunities for MSMEs, improve market access, and create a more enabling environment for private sector growth. As African economies strive to recover and build resilience, partnerships like Denmark’s offer a vital lifeline for inclusive and sustainable development.
