AfDB Urges Stronger Private-Sector Role in Humanitarian Crises

“In a global context of declining resources, the financing and implementation of humanitarian aid must be expanded,” Lazzeri said.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has called for deeper private-sector engagement in humanitarian response and crisis recovery, highlighting the role businesses can play in stabilising fragile economies and supporting long-term development.

Speaking at the 5th Geneva International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum), AfDB Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade joined a high-level panel discussion on “Private-Sector Partnerships in Humanitarian Contexts”, held on 26–27 February 2026 at the Geneva International Conference Centre in Switzerland.

The forum, organised by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs’ Agency for Development and Cooperation, brought together global policymakers, development institutions, humanitarian actors and private-sector leaders to explore new models for financing and delivering humanitarian aid.

Private Sector Seen as Critical Partner in Crisis Response

Opening the panel discussion, Ambassador Pietro Lazzeri, Head of the Economic Cooperation and Development Division at Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), highlighted the need to broaden humanitarian financing.

“In a global context of declining resources, the financing and implementation of humanitarian aid must be expanded,” Lazzeri said. “But how do we get the private sector involved in the solutions?”

Lazzeri, who also serves as the African Development Bank’s Governor for Switzerland, moderated the discussion.

Panelists agreed that engaging the private sector is essential but must be grounded in the core principles of humanitarian action, including neutrality, responsibility and accountability.

They stressed that private-sector cooperation should complement—not replace—partnerships with governments and humanitarian organisations.

Economic Collapse Often Follows Humanitarian Crises

Akin-Olugbade emphasized that humanitarian crises often go hand-in-hand with economic collapse.

“Behind every crisis, there are collapsing markets and lost jobs,” she said.

In Africa, where nearly 80 percent of the population works in the private sector, businesses play a crucial role in preventing crises, stabilising communities and rebuilding economies after conflict or disaster.

Participants also called for increased funding for humanitarian response, while ensuring financial interventions are responsible and do not inadvertently worsen conflicts.

Development Banks Supporting Crisis Recovery

Akin-Olugbade outlined the African Development Bank’s approach to crisis response, which focuses on complementing humanitarian actors rather than replacing them.

Through targeted financial instruments and partnerships, the Bank works to revive economic activity, support local enterprises and restore essential services in fragile contexts.

Several examples of the Bank’s interventions were highlighted during the session:

• Madagascar: Through the Transition Support Facility, more than 300 very small and medium-sized enterprises (VSMEs) have gained access to bank financing that was previously unavailable.

• Sudan: Collaboration with the DAL Group has helped stabilise agricultural value chains despite ongoing conflict.

• Sahel region: Partnerships with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) combine humanitarian expertise with the Bank’s financial instruments to support vulnerable communities.

These initiatives are designed to stimulate local economies, restore livelihoods and reduce the risk of renewed instability.

Building a Sustainable Humanitarian Response

According to Akin-Olugbade, lasting recovery requires close cooperation between humanitarian organisations, development banks and private-sector partners.

This coordinated approach can help bridge the gap between emergency assistance and long-term economic recovery.

Participants at the forum concluded that the private sector should not be viewed solely as a donor, but as a strategic partner in humanitarian action.

Businesses bring innovation, operational expertise and investment capacity that can strengthen humanitarian responses—provided partnerships are carefully structured and grounded in local realities.

The discussion highlighted growing recognition among global development institutions that economic recovery and private-sector engagement are essential components of sustainable humanitarian solutions.