Germany and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have announced joint initiatives to accelerate energy access and private sector growth across Africa.
The partnership, which was unveiled during a high-level meeting in Abidjan last week, includes strengthened support for the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, and expanded financing for youth entrepreneurship programmes.
Ahe largest contributor to the 16th replenishment of the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional window, and a key shareholder, Germany’s commitment reinforces its position as a strategic partner in Africa’s sustainable development agenda. The event brought together over 90 senior officials from the Bank, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).
The partnership will enhance support for the Bank Group’s energy access programs, focusing on implementing National Energy Compacts across member countries, according to the AfDB.
“The African Development Bank values this strong demonstration of commitment to build strategic partnerships and thanks Germany for its steadfast support to the Bank Group. By working together, we continue to lay the groundwork for a brighter, more inclusive future for Africa,” said Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President of AfDB.
Specific initiatives include expanded financing for renewable energy projects and support for regional power integration programs. The partnership builds on existing collaborations through the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa and the Climate Action Window.
The partners also discussed programs to strengthen Africa’s private sector, emphasizing youth entrepreneurship and skills development. Key initiatives include increased support for Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank and enhanced collaboration on the Build 4 Skills program. Additionally, discussions explored opportunities to support African countries’ regional integration efforts under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.
“This deep dive came at the right moment as the development sphere is going through significant times of upheaval. I would like to echo the words of President Adesina, who said that to foster development on the continent, we need to move at scale. For this, we need development partners to join the ranks, and I am very proud that the African Development Bank and Germany strive to deepen their excellent cooperation,” BMZ Director General for Africa Ms Birgit Picket, noted.
