Gambiaj.com – (ABIDJAN, Côte d’ivoire) – The Gambia, alongside Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, has collectively pledged $16 million to the African Development Fund (ADF), marking a significant milestone in African ownership of development financing.

This pledge, announced during a meeting at the African Development Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, represents a more than threefold increase from previous contributions of $5 million.

For the first time, all five countries in the same constituency have united to replenish the ADF, which provides critical concessional financing to Africa’s low-income nations. The Gambia’s contribution of $2 million underscores its commitment to self-driven development initiatives.

Rufus Darkortey, Executive Director representing the constituency, called the moment “a powerful message that Africa is not just a recipient but a partner in shaping its own future.” The surge in contributions has also expanded the pool of African donor countries from eight to thirteen.

The Gambia’s pledge comes on the heels of notable domestic fiscal achievements, including a doubling of the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio in just two years. These fiscal reforms have positioned The Gambia as a leader in domestic resource mobilization, a key pillar of sustainable development.

“Our domestic efforts are paying off,” said a senior Ministry of Finance official in Banjul. “By improving revenue systems and strengthening our fiscal space, we are demonstrating that The Gambia can be an active player in regional development efforts.”

Expanding Operational Footprint in The Gambia

The African Development Bank’s growing presence in The Gambia was also featured in discussions. Plans are underway to establish a Bank office in the country, which will improve project oversight and accelerate financing for key infrastructure and social initiatives.

Looking ahead, the five-country bloc—including The Gambia—aims to graduate from ADF-only to African Development Bank financing, which offers larger and more flexible funding packages. “Future resources will depend on performance, reforms, and aligning projects with national priorities,” said Sheku Bangura, the outgoing chair of the constituency’s governors.

In the face of global challenges, the unified pledge by The Gambia and its regional partners sends a strong message: Africa is ready to take the lead in its own development agenda. As Bangura summarized, “We may not control global tides, but we can control how we navigate them. The storm is strong. But so is our resolve, our unity, and our future.”