Over the past four decades, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has invested AED35.3 billion ($9.6 billion) in sustainable development projects across 42 African countries. As a strategic partner, ADFD has provided essential support to help these nations achieve their developmental goals.
In 2023, ADFD played a key role in a UAE-led initiative worth AED16.5 billion ($4.5 billion) to enhance Africa’s clean energy infrastructure. This initiative, supported by both public and private sectors, was forged in collaboration with the Africa50 fund, a pan-African investment platform.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, ADFD director-general, underscored 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, economic diversification, and unlocking the full potential of African economies, he added.
Solar power projects in Togo
In Togo, ADFD financed the 50 MW Mohamed bin Zayed Solar PV Complex in Blitta province, which powers over 158,000 households and SMEs with sustainable electricity. In 2022, ADEX signed an agreement with Togo’s Ministry of Economy and Finance to expand the solar park’s capacity to 70 MW and install a 4 MW-hour energy storage system.
Solar power project in Sierra Leone
Moreover, in Sierra Leone, ADFD funded a 6 MW solar power plant in Freetown, improving the stability of the national electricity grid and providing energy for rural villages.
Road infrastructure project in Kenya
The Nuno-Modogashe Road project in Kenya, further financed with AED37 million ($10 million), aims to facilitate transportation in northeastern Kenya, home to 75 percent of the country’s livestock and connecting northern and southern Kenya with neighbouring countries.
Water and irrigation projects on the Senegal river
ADFD also financed projects on the Senegal River, Africa’s ninth-longest river, flowing through Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania. The AED99 million ($26.95 million) investment covers hydroelectric and irrigation projects.
Renewable energy projects in Seychelles
Furthermore, in Seychelles, ADFD funded two renewable energy projects on Romainville and Mahé islands worth AED64.2 million ($17.47 million) to boost the country’s renewable energy production.
Water network project in Lesotho
In Lesotho, ADFD financed the Butha-Buthe water network project with AED73 million ($19.87 million), providing 9,000 cubic metres of clean water daily to meet residential and industrial needs until 2045, reducing waterborne diseases by 50 percent.
Healthcare facility in South Sudan
Additionally, the Gudule General Hospital in South Sudan, funded with an AED36 million ($9.8 million) UAE grant, supports the healthcare sector by establishing a 60-bed hospital equipped with modern medical facilities to serve Juba and surrounding areas.
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