2026.11.13
On November 13, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with African Development Fund (AfDF) at JICA Headquarters in Tokyo, to provide Japanese ODA loan for the African Development Fund Seventeenth Replenishment (AfDF-17). The signatures were exchanged between African Development Bank President Sidi Ould Tah and JICA President Tanaka Akihiko in the presence of Deputy Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs Watanabe Kazuki, Ministry of Finance.
Signing ceremony
AfDF is the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, providing long-term, low-interest loans and grants primarily to least developed and low-income countries in Africa. This loan is based on discussions on the replenishment of AfDF held in London in December 2025 between AfDF and its contributing partners, including the Government of Japan, and development institutions. In accordance with the Government of Japan’s contribution policy, JICA provides the loan contribution in addition to the Government of Japan’s subscription contribution. The loan for replenishment will provide financing for the AfDF's operations during the 2026-2028 period and contribute to African countries' efforts to address multiple challenges, including climate change, food security, and job creation. This marks JICA’s fourth loan contribution to AfDF since the Fourteenth Replenishment of the African Development Fund (AfDF-14).
The replenishment will support efforts to address key development challenges in Africa’s least developed and low-income countries, including access to energy, food security, human capital development, and infrastructure development. It will also advance Japan’s commitments made at TICAD9 and strengthen cooperation with the AfDB Group, thereby contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth and development across Africa.
The project outline is explained below.
Terms and Amount of Loan
- Country
(Target Areas)
37 countries eligible for support from the African Development Fund (AfDF)
- Project Objective
The loan aims to support the achievement of the development objectives of the AfDF in promoting economic growth and poverty reduction in the least developed and low-income countries of Africa by contributing to the Seventeenth Replenishment of the AfDF (AfDF-17), thereby contributing to inclusive green growth and driving prosperous and resilient economies in Africa.
- Project Component
The concessional loan forms part of the Government of Japan’s contribution package to AfDF-17 and is intended to help secure the financial resources required during the AfDF-17 replenishment period. The funds will be incorporated into the general resources and utilized for the operations of AfDF implemented during the AfDF-17 period. Through supporting projects financed by the AfDF, the loan will contribute to the AfDB Group’s Ten-Year Strategy 2024–2033 and High 5s priorities.
- Maximum Loan Amount
86,600 million Japanese Yen
- Annual
Interest Rate
0.70%
- Repayment Period
40 Years
- Grace Period
10 Years
- Executing Agency
AfDF
- Contribution to SDGs
Goal 1 No poverty
Goal 2 Zero hunger
Goal 3 Good health and well-being
Goal 5 Gender equality
Goal 7 Affordable and clean energy
Goal 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Goal 10 Reduced inequalities
Goal 11 Sustainable cities and communities
Goal 13 Climate action
Goal 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions
Goal 17 Partnerships for the goals
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Planned Implementation Schedule
Completion of loan: December 2028 at the end of the African Development Fund Seventeenth Replenishment period.
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