Denmark Pledges DKK 1.1 Billion to African Development Fund, Marking 40% Increase

Denmark Boosts Support for African Development

Denmark has announced a significant increase in its contribution to the African Development Fund (ADF), pledging DKK 1.1 billion for the fund's 17th replenishment (ADF-17). This commitment represents a 40 percent increase over its previous contribution and was made on October 3, 2025, during the 2025 Nordic-African Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting. The pledge underscores Denmark's continued dedication to fostering development and stability across the African continent.

Details of the Enhanced Contribution

The DKK 1.1 billion pledge, equivalent to approximately USD 160 million, positions Denmark as an early and strong supporter of the ADF-17 replenishment cycle. The final pledging session for ADF-17 is anticipated in December 2025, and Denmark's early announcement is expected to encourage other international partners to make robust commitments. The increased funding is earmarked to benefit Africa's lowest-income countries, supporting their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implement the Paris Agreement.

The Role of the African Development Fund

The African Development Fund serves as the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), providing crucial low-interest loans and grants to 37 low-income African countries. Since its establishment in 1972, the ADF has invested over $45 billion in transformative projects. Its mandate includes supporting:

• Climate resilience
• Regional integration
• Private sector development
• Governance reforms
• Energy and transport infrastructure
• Agriculture and water initiatives
• Human capital development

The ADF plays a pivotal role in expanding opportunities, building resilience, and reducing fragility across the continent.

Denmark's Strategic Commitment to Africa

Denmark's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Rasmussen, emphasized that the pledge reaffirms his country's commitment to Africa and to strong multilateral cooperation. The contribution aligns with Denmark's new Africa Strategy, titled 'The African Century, Partnerships of Equals,' which prioritizes climate adaptation, private investment, and regional market integration. AfDB President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, welcomed Denmark's early commitment, describing it as a 'strong demonstration of trust in the Fund's capacity to deliver.' He further stated, 'This 40 per cent 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.' Denmark has been a member of the ADF since 1973, demonstrating a long-standing partnership with the AfDB Group.