Norway pledged NOK 3.1 billion to the Seventeenth Replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17), reaffirming its long-standing commitment to Africa’s low-income countries. The announcement was made during the Global Citizen Now: Johannesburg event on 21 November, and was later reiterated in a bilateral meeting between Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gare Store and African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould Tarr.
The pledge includes a core contribution of NOK 2,377 million for ADF-17, representing an increase of 5.79 percent from ADF-16. Norway also confirmed its continued support of NOK 150 million to the Fund’s climate action window. In early 2025, Norway contributed NOK 50 million to the Climate Action Window, becoming its fifth investor.
Dr. Sidi Uld Tarr welcomed the announcement and said: “Norway is an invaluable partner of the African Development Fund. Discussions with the Prime Minister highlighted our shared focus on youth opportunities, sustainable growth and strong partnerships. Norway’s support for ADF-17 will help the Fund scale its impact at a critical moment for Africa’s most vulnerable economies.”
Since Norway joined the African Development Fund in 1973, it has participated in every replenishment of the African Development Fund and continues to prioritize core support that increases predictability and responsiveness. An official statement from the Norwegian government said the donation reflects Norway’s commitment to improving access to food, electricity, water and sanitation, health services, education and employment for the world’s most vulnerable people.
In an official statement from the Norwegian government, Prime Minister Jonas Gare Store said: “All countries share a responsibility to work towards building a more peaceful and fairer world. This funding will be used to improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. Among other things, it will be used to provide people with access to food, electricity, water and sanitation, health services, education and jobs.”
Norway further noted that this contribution is part of the follow-up to the 2024 Strategy for Engagement with African Countries. Norway recognizes the essential role of the African Development Fund in initiatives such as Mission 300, which aims to expand access to electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
The African Development Fund is the concessional arm of the African Development Bank Group and is an important source of financing for Africa’s 37 low-income countries. Since 1972, we have supported important investments in energy, transportation, agriculture, regional integration, and governance through grants, highly competitive loans, and guarantees.
The 17th Replenishment of the African Development Fund will be finalized at a pledging session to be held in London on 15-16 December 2025, where development partners will confirm their contributions.
