ADFD Commits AED 35.3 Billion To Sustainable Projects In 42 African Nations

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has invested AED35.3 billion in sustainable development projects across 42 African countries over the past four decades. Acting as a strategic partner, ADFD has provided essential support to help these nations achieve their developmental goals.

In 2023, ADFD played a pivotal role in a UAE-led initiative worth AED16.5 billion ($4.5 billion) aimed at enhancing Africa's clean energy infrastructure. This initiative, supported by both public and private sectors, was developed in collaboration with the Africa50 fund. Africa50 is a pan-African investment platform established by African governments and the African Development Bank to bridge Africa's infrastructure funding gap.

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, ADFD Director-General, emphasised the UAE's commitment to supporting African nations in their pursuit of economic and social progress. Over the last decade, ADFD has made significant contributions to infrastructure development and economic diversification, unlocking the full potential of African economies.

In Togo, ADFD financed the Mohamed bin Zayed Solar PV Complex in Blitta province, valued at AED55 million. The first phase of this project has a capacity of 50 megawatts (MW) and powers over 158,000 households and SMEs with sustainable electricity, reducing reliance on coal and fossil fuels.

In 2022, the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) signed an agreement worth AED128.5 million with Togo's Ministry of Economy and Finance. This agreement aims to raise the production capacity of the Mohamed bin Zayed Solar Park from 50 MW to 70 MW and install a 4 MW-hour solar energy production storage system, enhancing energy sustainability and climate resilience.

In Sierra Leone, ADFD funded a 6 MW solar power plant in Freetown. This project improved the stability of the national electricity grid and provided sufficient energy for rural villages.

Infrastructure Development

The Nuno-Modogashe Road project in Kenya, financed with AED37 million, aims to facilitate transportation in northeastern Kenya. This region is home to 75% of the country's livestock and connects northern and southern Kenya with neighbouring countries.

ADFD also financed projects on the Senegal River, Africa's ninth-longest river, which flows through Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania. The AED99 million investment covers hydroelectric and irrigation projects.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

In Seychelles, ADFD funded two renewable energy projects on Romainville and Mahé islands worth AED64.2 million. These projects aim to boost the country's renewable energy production.

Water Supply and Healthcare Projects

In Lesotho, ADFD financed the Butha-Buthe water network project with AED73 million. This project provides 9,000 cubic metres of clean water daily to meet residential and industrial needs until 2045, reducing waterborne diseases by 50%.

The Gudule General Hospital in South Sudan was funded with an AED36 million UAE grant. This hospital supports the healthcare sector by establishing a 60-bed facility equipped with modern medical amenities to serve Juba and surrounding areas.

With inputs from WAM