money./PHOTO ; Pexel
As the global community intensifies efforts to finance sustainable development and climate resilience, Denmark has announced a DKK 1.1 billion (USD 150 million) pledge to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment (ADF-17), a 40 percent increase over its previous contribution.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 2025 Nordic-African Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, signaling Denmark’s strengthened partnership with Africa and its continued belief in collective solutions to shared global challenges.
“Denmark is proud to increase its contribution to the African Development Fund, reaffirming our commitment to Africa and to strong multilateral cooperation,” said Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
“The Fund is a vital partner for African countries, delivering tangible impact on people’s lives. We encourage other countries to join us in supporting robust replenishment. Only together can we meet the world’s most pressing development and climate challenges.”
The African Development Fund (ADF) is the concessional financing window of the African Development Bank Group, providing critical support to 37 low-income African countries.
Since its establishment in 1972, the Fund has invested more than $45 billion to strengthen infrastructure, promote agriculture, enhance governance, and foster regional integration.
Denmark’s increased contribution reflects a recognition that development financing must evolve to meet the growing needs of a continent facing multiple intersecting crises from climate shocks and conflict to limited fiscal space.
For many African countries, concessional financing from the ADF remains one of the most dependable sources for investments that create jobs, empower women, and expand access to energy and clean water.
Welcoming Denmark’s leadership, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, said:
“We deeply welcome Denmark’s strong leadership and early commitment to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment. This 40% 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. Together with our partners, we are building an ambitious platform to deliver real results for Africa.”
Denmark’s pledge is consistent with its recently launched Africa Strategy, “The African Century Partnerships of Equals,” which emphasizes equitable cooperation, climate adaptation, and sustainable growth.
The country has been an active voice in pushing for ambitious climate financing targets, particularly for adaptation and resilience in developing regions.
Through its engagement with the ADF, Denmark also supports efforts to improve conditions for private investment and regional trade outcomes that align with the growing focus of the philanthropy and impact investment community on inclusive economies and sustainable livelihoods.
The ADF-17 pledging session, set for December 2025, will bring together development partners to confirm their contributions.
Denmark’s early announcement sets a strong precedent for others to follow, reinforcing that the path to a resilient and equitable Africa will require not just aid. Still, a partnership grounded in shared responsibility and purpose.
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