The African Development Bank Group African Development Bank Group and the United Nations Population Fund United Nations Population Fund have renewed their long-standing partnership through a new memorandum of understanding aimed at scaling up investments in maternal health, human capital development, and demographic resilience across Africa.
The agreement was signed during the 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville by AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah and UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita, reinforcing efforts to expand opportunities for women and young people as key drivers of economic growth on the continent.
The renewed partnership builds on decades of cooperation between the two institutions and aligns with AfDB’s strategic vision focused on transforming Africa’s youth population into a demographic dividend. It prioritizes strengthening health systems, improving maternal care, and supporting investments that enhance long-term human capital outcomes.
Key areas of collaboration include digital training for health workers, modernization of health information systems, strengthening of local procurement networks, and development of climate-resilient health infrastructure. These initiatives are designed to improve access to quality healthcare while addressing structural challenges that contribute to preventable maternal deaths across Africa.
The partnership also highlights the broader economic importance of women’s health and youth empowerment, emphasizing that sustainable growth depends on strong social infrastructure alongside economic investment. Past joint initiatives have included improvements in population data systems, expanded access to emergency obstetric care, and community health campaigns linking water, sanitation, and reproductive health services.
The renewed agreement reflects a shared commitment to placing human capital at the center of Africa’s development strategy, reinforcing the role of health systems as a foundation for inclusive economic transformation.
