OPEC Fund and AfDB Strengthen Cooperation to Accelerate Sustainable Development Across Africa
The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) (https://OPECFund.org) is conducting an official mission to Côte d’Ivoire, led by its President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, to deepen strategic cooperation with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and advance joint efforts to promote sustainable development across Africa.
A key milestone of the visit was the AfDB–OPEC Fund Partnership Day, held at AfDB headquarters, which convened senior leadership from both institutions to reinforce collaboration and align development priorities. During the mission, President Alkhalifa and AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah held bilateral discussions and signed an amendment to the existing Memorandum of Understanding, further strengthening the framework for cooperation across public and private sector operations, co-financing initiatives, and knowledge sharing.
President Alkhalifa stated:
“Africa remains central to the OPEC Fund’s mission. Our partnership with the AfDB continues to evolve into a more strategic and impact-driven collaboration, focused on accelerating delivery and supporting country-led development priorities. By working more closely together, we can scale solutions and deliver meaningful results for people and communities across the continent.”
The OPEC Fund and the AfDB have collaborated for nearly five decades, jointly supporting approximately 120 projects across sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, water, health, education, and finance, with total co-financing of US$1.5 billion.
The mission also highlights the partnership’s emphasis on implementation and measurable outcomes. As part of the visit, President Alkhalifa is touring the Atinkou Power Plant, a 390-megawatt combined-cycle gas facility and a flagship project co-financed with international development partners, including the AfDB. The project has significantly strengthened Côte d’Ivoire’s baseload power capacity by replacing inefficient generation assets and delivering reliable electricity to households and industry.
In addition, President Alkhalifa will participate in a high-level consultation between the Arab Coordination Group and the AfDB, aimed at strengthening coordination among development partners and supporting Africa’s long-term growth, resilience, and sustainable development objectives.
