The United Kingdom and Ghana jointly hosted the 17th replenishment pledging conference of the African Development Fund (ADF-17) in London on Tuesday, bringing together international partners to raise fresh resources for development across Africa.

The high-level meeting, held at the headquarters of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, focused on mobilising financial support for African Development Bank member countries as they confront challenges such as climate change, economic recovery, job creation and inclusive growth.

Co-hosting the conference highlighted the shared commitment of Ghana and the UK to strengthening Africa’s development financing architecture and boosting the continent’s resilience. The African Development Bank continues to play a central role in supporting its 54 African member states to deliver sustainable growth and long-term stability.

The conference attracted senior officials from major multilateral institutions, including the Chairperson of the Boards of Governors of the African Development Bank, Ludovic Ngatsé, who is also Congo’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration. Leaders from the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the OPEC Fund for International Development and representatives of the EBRD were also in attendance.

Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, said the country was proud to co-host the event and advocate for Africa’s priorities on the global stage. He noted that Ghana, together with four other countries in its constituency, pledged a combined $16 million to the ADF earlier this year a first for the group demonstrating strong commitment to reforms and results-driven partnerships.

UK Minister for Development Jenny Chapman described the conference as a reflection of the UK’s long-standing partnership with the African Development Bank. She emphasised the UK’s evolving role from traditional donor support to investment-led engagement that promotes sustainable and inclusive growth. She also welcomed the decision to hold the first Private Sector Mobilisation Day in London, underscoring the importance of the City of London in unlocking private capital for Africa.

In May 2025, Ghana pledged $5 million to the ADF alongside The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan, marking a milestone in African participation in the Fund. These countries have undertaken fiscal and governance reforms aligned with the Bank’s focus on performance, accountability and co-financing.

In Ghana, ADF resources have supported women-led small businesses and expanded access to energy through mini-grid projects, contributing to inclusive growth and improved livelihoods.

The current replenishment cycle is expected to see increased financial participation from African countries, signalling stronger ownership of the continent’s development agenda. Ghana’s role as co-host also aligns with President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which aims to position Accra as a centre for global development dialogue and advocate fairer international financial systems.

Similarly, the UK’s renewed Africa strategy emphasises partnerships built on equality, shared prosperity and African-led institutions, focusing on trade, climate action, innovation and stronger African representation in global decision-making.

Through this joint effort, Ghana and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to a prosperous and resilient Africa and called on global partners to maintain momentum in supporting the African Development Fund.