African Development Bank and Pandemic Fund Join Forces

Friday, 28th February 2025

By inAfrika Reporter,

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – The African Development Bank Group has signed an agreement to become an implementing entity of the Pandemic Fund, solidifying its role in coordinating and financing pandemic preparedness initiatives across Africa. This collaboration will allow the Bank to manage approved projects and participate in upcoming funding calls aimed at strengthening health systems in low and middle-income countries.

The financial procedures agreement, signed in January with the World Bank Group, grants the African Development Bank access to a share of the Pandemic Fund’s $500 million allocation for pandemic-related programs. This milestone enhances the Bank’s ability to support African nations in fortifying their health infrastructure and response capacities.

The Pandemic Fund is a partnership hosted by the World Bank that brings together donor countries, co-investors, foundations, and civil society organizations. The World Health Organization serves as the technical lead, ensuring that funded initiatives align with global health priorities. The Fund provides financial assistance to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development at the African Development Bank, emphasized the growing need for robust health systems in Africa. “The Covid-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in national health infrastructure across the continent. As an implementing entity of the Pandemic Fund, the African Development Bank will leverage its expertise in infrastructure financing to improve the quality of life for millions of Africans,” she stated.

The call for proposals will be rolled out in phases. In March 2025, the first phase will open for single and multi-country proposals, while regional proposals will be considered in the second phase, set to launch in June 2025. Since its inception, the Pandemic Fund has approved 47 projects spanning 75 countries, with sub-Saharan Africa receiving 43 percent of total funding, reflecting the region’s high demand for pandemic preparedness support.

As an implementing entity, the African Development Bank will provide oversight, ensuring proper execution of funded projects while supporting beneficiary organizations with financial and progress reporting to the Fund’s Governing Board. This collaboration aligns with the Bank’s Strategy for Quality Health Infrastructure in Africa, which focuses on enhancing healthcare services and expanding medical access across the continent.

The African Development Bank’s track record in health sector investments further strengthens its role in this partnership. In June 2023, the Bank approved $124 million for Morocco’s healthcare expansion program, aimed at enhancing specialized medical services, constructing and equipping hospitals, and integrating telemedicine solutions to reach remote areas.

Dr. Dunford emphasized the potential of this collaboration to drive lasting change in African healthcare. “By leveraging resources from the Pandemic Fund alongside our own funding instruments, we can achieve greater impact and build resilient health systems that benefit millions,” she added.

The Pandemic Fund, established in September 2022, was officially announced at the Group of 20 (G20) meetings in Bali, Indonesia, with the African Development Bank initially participating as an observer. Now, as an implementing entity, the Bank is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming health security across Africa.