- The African Development Bank achieved a record-high lending volume of $11 billion in 2024, with $5.5 billion allocated to climate finance, accounting for nearly half of all approvals.
- Through the Mission 300 initiative with the World Bank, the Bank aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030, with nearly 931,000 new connections made in 2024 alone.
- The African Emergency Food Production Facility reached 12.3 million farmers and helped produce 37.6 million metric tons of food, improving food security across the continent.
- The Bank facilitated $880 million in trade finance, with 34% going to small and medium-sized enterprises, and supported job-creating investments in agribusiness and manufacturing.
- Infrastructure projects financed by the Bank included 1,223 km of roads and 1,678 km of cross-border power lines, improving regional connectivity for 3.5 million people.
- In the health and sanitation sectors, 14 million people gained access to better healthcare, 5 million to clean water, and over 260,000 direct jobs were created, with strong youth and female representation.
- Over 56% of climate finance was directed toward adaptation efforts, including the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, which mobilized $12.4 billion, and supported 30 green SMEs through circular economy projects.
- Gender and youth empowerment advanced significantly, with 95% of sovereign operations integrating gender outcomes and youth initiatives creating over 86,400 jobs and funding 6,800 start-ups.
- Economic governance reforms paid off, as 10 of 13 countries improved their macroeconomic frameworks and the continent’s average debt-to-GDP ratio dropped to 60% from 63.5%.
- The Bank ranked #1 globally in aid transparency for the second year in a row, while internal reforms boosted female representation to 33% in professional roles and 29% in management.
So What?
The AfDB’s 2025 report affirms the Bank’s pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future, from powering homes and farms to financing reforms and building resilience.
