Norway Pledges NOK 3.1 Billion to African Development Fund to Boost Low-Income Growth

Norway also committed NOK 150 million to the Fund’s Climate Action Window, building on its earlier 2025 contribution of NOK 50 million, making it the fifth investor in the climate-focused initiative.

Norway has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Africa’s low-income countries with a NOK 3.1 billion pledge to the African Development Fund’s seventeenth replenishment (ADF-17). The announcement was made during the Global Citizen Now: Johannesburg event on 21 November and reinforced in a bilateral meeting between Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and African Development Bank President Dr Sidi Ould Tah.

The pledge includes a core contribution of NOK 2,377 million, marking a 5.79% increase from the previous replenishment (ADF-16). Norway also committed NOK 150 million to the Fund’s Climate Action Window, building on its earlier 2025 contribution of NOK 50 million, making it the fifth investor in the climate-focused initiative.

Dr Sidi Ould Tah welcomed Norway’s continued support, noting:

“Norway has been a highly valued partner of the African Development Fund. This contribution will expand the Fund’s impact at a decisive moment for Africa’s most vulnerable economies, focusing on youth opportunity, sustainable growth, and strong partnerships.”

Norway has participated in every ADF replenishment since 1973, emphasizing support that enhances predictability, responsiveness, and impact. The contribution will target key areas including food security, electricity, water and sanitation, health services, education, and job creation for vulnerable populations across Africa.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighted the broader commitment:

“All countries share a responsibility to build a more peaceful and equitable world. This funding will improve lives by providing access to essential services and economic opportunities for some of the world’s poorest people.”

The contribution also aligns with Norway’s 2024 African engagement strategy and supports initiatives like Mission 300, which aims to expand electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

The African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group, supports 37 low-income African countries through grants, highly concessional loans, and guarantees. Since 1972, the Fund has financed projects in energy, transport, agriculture, regional integration, and governance, improving development outcomes across the continent.

The ADF-17 replenishment will be finalized at a pledging session in London from 15–16 December 2025, where development partners will confirm their contributions. Norway’s support is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating sustainable development and climate action in Africa.