What ? Mobilising civil society, philanthropies, and the diaspora to increase development financing for Africa in a fragmented world
Who ? Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, African Development Bank Group, African Development Bank Group
When ? Thursday, 28 May 2026, 16:30 – 18:00 (GMT)
Where ? MFOA Plenary Hall, Kintélé International Conference Centre, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, and online
As part of its 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, the African Development Bank Group will host a high-level session with civil society organisations, African diaspora networks, and philanthropic foundations. Marking his first participation in an exercise of this nature, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Bank Group, will deliver the opening address for this meeting.
This high-level dialogue will explore practical approaches aimed at strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, channelling diaspora capital into productive investments, leveraging the potential of philanthropy, and enhancing accountability in governance and impact.
Discussions will focus on the concrete contribution of these actors to the implementation of the Bank’s Four Cardinal Points strategic vision and the operationalisation of the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), highlighting their critical role in transforming development financing in Africa.
Panelists will include Aboubakar Nacanabo, Minister of Economy and Finance of Burkina Faso and President of the Council of Ministers of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU); Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation; Didier Acouetey, Special Advisor to the President of the Bank Group and NAFAD Coordinator; Serah Makka, Executive Director for Africa, the ONE Campaign; and Fatoumata Sidibé Diarra, Co-founder of the Manssah Think Tank. The session aims to shift the development narrative towards a trajectory of self-reliance, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
The event will conclude with a collective call to action for coordinated financial mobilisation and the symbolic endorsement of NAFAD by the civil society, diaspora, and philanthropic ecosystem. By organising this meeting, the African Development Bank Group reaffirms the vital role of these actors as key partners in strengthening accountability, innovation, and impact in development financing.
Media Contact: Evélia Gadégbéku, Department of Communication and External Relations, [email protected]