Norway Pledges $300m to Support Africa’s Poorest Countries
By Victor Idajili
Norway will invest over NOK 3 billion, about $300 million, to help low-income African countries grow their economies and withstand future crises.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abuja announced the pledge on Tuesday. The money will go through the African Development Fund, ADF, over the next three years from 2026 to 2028.
The ADF supports the 37 poorest countries in Africa. Its main focus is building stronger government institutions and improving economic management.
“We know that having a job to go to, a living wage and a decent working life is the most important way to help oneself out of poverty. This is how it is here at home, and this is how it is elsewhere in the world,” said Norway’s Minister of International Development, Asmund Aukrust.
He said the African Development Bank and ADF have strong credibility with African countries, which makes them effective in fighting poverty.
A key part of the fund’s work is helping countries raise their own revenue through better tax systems and teaching them how to manage public money in ways that benefit citizens. That, Aukrust said, is vital for attracting private investors and creating jobs — which remains central to ending poverty.
“The aim of our involvement in the African Development Fund is to contribute to more resilient economies and stable societies,” Aukrust added. “The fund has demonstrated its ability to assist the poorest African countries in their long-term efforts to achieve climate and sustainability goals. In the long term, it contributes to less dependence on aid.”
The ADF was created in 1972 with no African contributors. Today, 25 African countries contribute to it.
“This is an expression of the fact that many countries in Africa have had and continue to have economic growth, which is crucial for creating stability and welfare for those living in Africa today, not least for the young population,” Aukrust said.
He noted that this also shows African countries want more ownership of the ADF and are willing to help others still struggling. “Norway supports such increased African ownership,” he said.
