LUSAKA/Zambia: A new report tracking development progress across Africa’s low-income countries has highlighted significant achievements in advancing sustainable growth and social development. The findings were released during the third meeting on the 17th Replenishment of Africa’s Development Fund, held in Lusaka from October 7–9, 2025.
The report, titled “Driving Inclusive Growth: Strategic Investments for Impactful Results,” shows that development initiatives in 2024 provided clean water to 2.9 million people, connected 500,761 people to electricity, including 251,766 women, and improved health services for 1.2 million people. Programs also supported 24,403 agribusinesses, including 8,380 led by women, and assisted over 520,000 farmers with climate-resilient technologies. Additionally, 614 kilometers of roads were constructed or rehabilitated, improving transport access for 3.5 million people.
The initiatives created 115,564 direct jobs and 449,224 indirect jobs, while enhancing access to basic ICT services for 1.3 million people.
The report highlights strategic initiatives such as Mission 300, a partnership with the World Bank aimed at providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030, backed by over $55 billion in commitments from international development partners. Climate resilience is now a core focus, with $442 million mobilized for climate-focused projects, and 99% of new initiatives incorporating climate adaptation measures.
Youth and women empowerment remain central priorities. Nearly all new programs include gender equality components, and over 290,000 jobs were created for youth aged 15–35 in 2024.
“Together, with ambition and solidarity, we must engage Africa’s youth to forge a new chapter of growth, resilience, and shared prosperity,” said Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Development Bank Group. “Strategic partnerships and innovative solutions are essential to delivering impact at speed and scale.”
The report evaluates results from the 16th replenishment cycle across 37 beneficiary countries, covering operations completed in 2024 and newly approved investments. It highlights progress under strategic pillars and cross-cutting priorities, serving as a flagship accountability and performance review tool for the Development Bank Group.
The Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution, operating in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan. It contributes to economic development and social progress across its 54 regional member states.
