Denmark Announces 40% Increase in Contribution to African Development Fund to Benefit Africa’s Lowest Income Countries
Denmark has announced a planned DKK 1,1 billion pledge to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment (ADF-17), representing a 40 percent increase over its previous contribution to the Fund. Announced on the sidelines of the 2025 Nordic-African Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, this pledge marks a major step towards delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals and advancing the Paris Agreement on the African continent.
The pledge underscores Denmark’s longstanding partnership with the African Development Bank Group and reflects its leadership in addressing pressing global challenges – from climate change to job creation for Africa’s youth, as well as building resilience in fragile contexts. With this early commitment, ahead of the ADF-17 pledging session in December, Denmark is setting a strong example for others to follow.
“Denmark is proud to increase its contribution to the African Development Fund, reaffirming our commitment to Africa and to strong multilateral cooperation,” says Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen. “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 is the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group and a key source of financing for 37 low-income African countries. With over $45 billion invested since its establishment in 1972, the Fund supports transformative investments in energy, transport, agriculture, governance, and regional integration. Through innovative instruments such as the Transition Support Facility, the Fund channels concessional resources to support countries and sectors that need them most.
“We deeply welcome Denmark’s strong leadership and early commitment to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment”, says Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group. “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 contribution aligns with the newly published Danish Strategy for Development Cooperation and its Africa Strategy, “The African Century – Partnerships of Equals.”
Denmark has worked to secure ambitious climate financing targets, including for climate adaptation, while ensuring a just transition. It has also supported the African Development Fund’s efforts to improve conditions for private investment and regional market integration, contributing to outcomes that support Africa’s economies and create opportunities for Danish businesses.
The African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment pledging session will take place in December 2025, at which development partners are expected to confirm their contributions. Denmark’s early announcement helps shape a successful replenishment outcome aligned with Africa’s priorities and the evolving global development landscape.
