The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan have launched a new joint initiative to help countries and businesses in Asia and the Pacific cope with rising energy prices while accelerating the transition to more resilient and sustainable energy systems. The initiative, called Action for Creating Energy Security for Long-term Resilience (ACCEL), was announced at the ADB Annual Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
ADB President Masato Kanda emphasized that the programme is designed to address immediate pressures while laying the foundation for long-term resilience. Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama highlighted that ACCEL will leverage Japanese knowledge and technology to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by global conflicts, while promoting structural energy transformation in developing member countries.
Many countries in the region, along with their private sectors, are facing acute challenges from fuel price volatility and supply constraints. SMEs are particularly vulnerable, with rising operating costs and tightening liquidity. ACCEL will adopt a two-track approach: in the short term, supporting corporate liquidity and providing technical assistance, and in the longer term, strengthening diversified and sustainable energy systems to build resilience.
ADB will deploy existing financing instruments such as loans, guarantees, and policy-based support to channel resources to enterprises and strengthen the enabling environment for SMEs. These measures aim to sustain business activity, protect jobs, and stabilize economies. At the same time, ADB will scale up investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation projects to enhance energy security and diversification.
Japan will contribute through ADB-administered trust funds, supporting project preparation, implementation, and knowledge sharing. It will also coordinate with institutions such as JICA and JBIC to maximize synergies and development impact. Further details on ACCEL’s implementation and operations will be announced in the coming months.
ADB, founded in 1966 and owned by 69 members, continues to play a leading role in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific through innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships.
