AfDB Unveils $6 Billion Plan to Transform Africa’s Health Sector, Celebrates a Decade of Impact in Agriculture and Energy

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced an ambitious $6 billion investment plan aimed at revolutionizing Africa’s health sector, while marking ten years of transformative progress in agriculture and energy across the continent.

At a high-level gathering of African leaders, development partners, and stakeholders, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina unveiled the new financing package, part of the Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen Africa’s health systems, promote pharmaceutical innovation, and boost resilience in the wake of global health emergencies.

“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us a painful lesson—Africa must no longer outsource the health of its people,” said Dr. Adesina. “This $6 billion commitment will catalyze homegrown solutions, drive innovation, and ensure access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Africans.”

Transforming Africa’s Health Future

The health investment will span five years and target key areas including:

• Strengthening primary health care infrastructure
• Expanding local pharmaceutical production
• Improving disease surveillance systems
• Building human capital in health and biotechnology

The initiative supports AfDB’s recently launched African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation and aligns with its 2022-2030 health strategy focused on achieving universal health coverage and pandemic preparedness.

In partnership with the African Union, WHO, and regional governments, the program is designed to address Africa’s long-standing dependence on imported medical supplies—an issue starkly exposed during the COVID-19 crisis when the continent imported over 90% of its vaccines and medications.

A Decade of Development: Agriculture and Energy Gains

Alongside the announcement, AfDB celebrated a decade of milestones in agriculture and energy—two sectors central to Africa’s sustainable development.

Agriculture: Feeding the Continent

Over the past ten years, the Bank has invested more than $8 billion in agriculture, benefiting 250 million people through improved food security, climate-resilient farming, and access to markets. Through flagship programs like Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), AfDB has introduced high-yield, climate-smart seeds and innovations that have helped farmers withstand droughts, pests, and economic shocks.

“From Senegal to Ethiopia, African farmers are feeding the continent with dignity,” said [Insert Name], AfDB’s Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry. “We are not just growing crops; we are growing wealth and resilience.”

Energy: Powering Progress

In energy, the Bank’s investments of over $12 billion have helped provide electricity access to more than 20 million people. Through the Desert to Power initiative, AfDB is transforming the Sahel into the world’s largest solar zone, aiming to generate 10 GW of solar power and connect 250 million people to reliable electricity.

This aligns with AfDB’s New Deal on Energy for Africa, launched in 2016, which envisions universal energy access across the continent by 2030.

Private Sector, Partnerships, and Innovation

The Bank’s latest health sector plan underscores its commitment to working closely with the private sector, research institutions, and local entrepreneurs. AfDB is exploring blended finance models, digital health technologies, and public-private partnerships to ensure scale and sustainability.

Dr. Adesina called on global partners to align their support with Africa-led development models:

“Africa must lead in shaping its development future. We invite the world to partner with us—but on African terms.”

CSR and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

These efforts are in strong alignment with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

AfDB’s approach reflects a holistic model of sustainable development, where health, food security, and energy are interconnected pillars of Africa’s transformation.

Looking Ahead

As Africa’s premier development finance institution, AfDB continues to position itself at the forefront of driving inclusive, resilient, and homegrown solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges. With the launch of this $6 billion health initiative and a decade of tangible gains in agriculture and energy, the Bank is reaffirming its role as a catalyst for Africa’s sustainable future.