AfDB 2026 Annual Meetings to Prioritize Resource Mobilisation for Africa’s Development Financing Gap

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced that its 2026 Annual Meetings will focus heavily on how to mobilise more development financing for Africa, as the continent continues to face a widening funding gap. The high-level gathering is scheduled to hold in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from May 25 to 29, 2026, and is expected to bring together about 3,000 participants from across the world.

Speaking at a recent press briefing, Director of Board Affairs and Proceedings, Chioma Onukogu—representing the Group Secretary General, Professor Vincent Nmehielle—said this year’s theme, “Mobilising Africa’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World,” reflects the urgent need to rethink how Africa attracts and manages capital in a changing global economy.

The meetings will include key statutory sessions of the AfDB Group, where Governors will review the Bank’s performance over the past financial year, including financial reports and operational activities. A major highlight will be a closed-door Governors’ Dialogue with AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, where strategic priorities and Africa’s development direction will be discussed. The programme will also feature events marking Africa Day on May 25.

Professor Kevin Urama, AfDB’s Chief Economist, stressed that Africa’s development ambitions are being constrained by a massive financing gap. He noted that the continent needs between $184 billion and $221 billion annually for infrastructure alone, while about $400 billion per year is required to drive broader economic transformation and climate-related goals.

Responding to questions from journalists on resource mobilisation and financial coordination, Urama said the Bank is deepening its analysis through the African Economic Outlook report to support more targeted interventions. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve how Africa captures value from its natural resources and strengthens collaboration among financial institutions to close the continent’s funding gap more effectively.