The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ghana on Tuesday co-hosted the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment (ADF-17) Pledging Conference in London.
The conference marked a significant partnership to mobilise resources for Africa’s development.
The high-level event, held at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development headquarters, brought together global partners and multilateral donors to support the African Development Bank’s 54 regional member countries.
Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, said Ghana was proud to co-host and champion Africa’s voice in shaping development priorities.
He highlighted that Ghana, alongside The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, had earlier pledged a collective $16 million to the ADF, marking the first time all nations in their constituency had contributed.
“This demonstrates our commitment to reforms and partnerships that deliver tangible results for our people,” Mr Ampem stated.
Ms Jenny Chapman, the UK Minister for Development, emphasised the UK’s evolving role from donor to investor.
“The UK’s shifting role will support countries who want to grow their economies and ultimately exit the need for aid,” she said.
She welcomed the Bank’s decision to hold its inaugural Private Sector Mobilisation Day in London, recognising the City’s pivotal role in financing Africa’s growth.
Ghana’s $5 million pledge follows its implementation of fiscal and governance reforms, including digital tax compliance systems. Previous ADF investments in Ghana have supported women-led enterprises and renewable energy mini-grids.
The conference is expected to catalyse increased contributions from African nations, underscoring the continent’s growing ownership of its development agenda.
Ghana’s co-hosting role aligns with President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which positions Ghana as a hub for reforming global development partnerships and financial architecture.
Similarly, the UK’s refreshed approach to Africa, launched concurrently, focuses on mutual prosperity, trade, and amplifying African voices in international forums.
