The African Development Bank (AfDB) has opened its 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, with a strong focus on addressing Africa’s widening $400 billion development financing shortfall amid global economic fragmentation.
More than 3,000 delegates from the Bank’s 81 member countries are expected to attend the sessions from May 25 to 29, marking the 61st AfDB Annual Meeting and the 52nd African Development Fund (ADF) Meeting. The theme, “Mobilising Africa’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World,” underscores concerns over declining aid flows, rising borrowing costs, and tightening global financial conditions.
Under the leadership of Sidi Ould Tah, who took office in September 2025, the AfDB has already secured an $11 billion replenishment for the ADF, with 24 African nations pledging $182.7 million toward the process. The concessional fund supports low‑income and fragile countries through grants and soft loans.
A major highlight of the Brazzaville meetings is the unveiling of the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), an initiative endorsed by the African Union to mobilize the continent’s $4 trillion in pension and sovereign wealth assets. NAFAD aims to strengthen Africa’s financial sovereignty and boost investments in infrastructure, energy, food security, and small businesses.
The event will also feature policy dialogues, consultative sessions, and the launch of the 2026 African Economic Outlook report on May 26, offering economic forecasts and policy insights for governments and investors.
