The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ghana have co-hosted the 17th replenishment pledging conference of the African Development Fund (ADF-17) in London, bringing together African governments and global partners to mobilise resources for development across the continent.
The conference was held at the headquarters of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and attracted senior officials from multilateral development banks and partner institutions.
Participants included the Chairperson of the Boards of Governors of the African Development Bank, Mr. Ludovic Ngatsé, Republic of Congo’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, the Presidents of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the OPEC Fund for International Development, as well as representatives of the EBRD.
In a joint statement, which has been sighted by The Chronicle, the United Kingdom and Ghana said the co-hosting of the conference “underscores our shared commitment to sustainable development, economic resilience and inclusive growth across Africa.”
The statement noted that the African Development Fund plays a central role in supporting low-income African countries to tackle climate change, promote economic recovery, create jobs and strengthen inclusive growth, adding that the UK remains a long-term investor in the African Development Bank.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem MP, was quoted as saying Ghana was “proud to co-host this important conference and to champion Africa’s voice in shaping development priorities.”
He recalled that Ghana earlier this year joined four other countries in pledging a total of 16 million dollars to the Fund, describing it as “a clear demonstration of our commitment to reforms and partnerships that deliver results for our people.”
UK Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman, said “The UK is proud to co-host the 17th replenishment alongside Ghana and to support the African Development Bank in driving sustainable and inclusive growth.”
She added that the UK’s evolving role from donor to investor would help African countries grow their economies and reduce long-term dependence on aid.
The joint statement noted that Ghana pledged five million dollars to the Fund in May 2025 alongside The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan, calling it “a historic moment for African participation.”
It also highlighted Ghana’s domestic revenue mobilisation reforms and ADF investments supporting women-led MSMEs and mini-grid energy solutions to expand energy access and inclusive growth.
According to the statement, the ADF-17 replenishment is expected to attract increased African contributions, reflecting growing ownership of the continent’s development agenda.
The statement linked Ghana’s co-hosting role to President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda and said the UK’s renewed Africa approach is anchored on “a partnership of equals and shared prosperity.”
The United Kingdom and Ghana reaffirmed, in the statement, their shared vision of a prosperous and resilient Africa and called on partners to sustain momentum in delivering on these commitments.
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