African Development Bank
African Development Bank Group (AfDB) provides financing to African governments and private companies investing in the bank's regional member countries (RMC).
The AfDB comprises three entities:
- African Development Bank
- African Development Fund
- Nigeria Trust Fund
The overarching objective of the AfDB is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress within regional member countries, and thereby contribute to poverty reduction efforts through the High 5s (Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialize Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa). The AfDB pursues this objective by mobilizing and allocating resources for investment in RMCs, and providing policy advice and technical assistance to support regional development efforts.
Canada is a key development partner to the AfDB and supports the Bank on numerous initiatives fostering sustainable growth. A core area of focus for Canada is the empowerment of women and girls in the region, along with environmental and climate action initiatives, inclusive governance, and peace and security.
Total Bank Group approvals for 2023 amounted to UA 8.03 billion, 30 percent higher than the figure approved in 2022 (UA 6.16 billion). The amount approved in 2023 was close to that of 2009, the highest in the history of the Bank Group. Approvals for 2009 reached UA 8.06 billion, largely reflecting the response to the global financial crisis.
| Region | Approvals (%) |
|---|---|
| Multiregional operations | 1% |
| North Africa | 19% |
| Central Africa | 6% |
| Southern Africa | 18% |
| East Africa | 29% |
| West Africa | 28% |
| Sector | Approvals (%) |
|---|---|
| Transport | 27% |
| Power | 19% |
| Finance | 16% |
| Agriculture | 13% |
| Water supply and sanitation | 8% |
| Multisector | 8% |
| Social | 5% |
| Industry, mining and quarrying | 2% |
| Environment | 1% |
Regions with fastest growth in funding are western and eastern Africa. Between 2019-2023, Canada supplied an average of 0.75% of contracts with 85% of services and 15% of goods with the most success in the power sector.
Procurement processes
The AfDB has open competitive procedures for procurement of goods, works and services and has developed rules and procedures that govern its procurement financing. Canada is a non-regional member country and Canadian businesses may apply for AfDB opportunities.
For country-specific opportunities see the Country Strategy Papers, and for project specific opportunities refer to the Projects page. General Procurement Notices contain procurement requirements under each project, while Specific Procurement Notices advertise the requirements for International Competitive Bidding.
Consulting services
The AfDB engages individual consultants and consulting firms mostly at the planning stage. To be considered, it is necessary to register on the AfDB's E-Consultant site. Recruitment usually involves a two-stage tendering process with the first step being; "Expression of Interest". Refer to Rules and Procedures for Recruitment of Consultants by Executive Agencies. Common queries are answered on this page Acquisition of Consultancy Services - Firms.
Corporate procurement
Opportunities exist to supply goods and services that support the AfDB's corporate operations. Those interested must register in the Vendor Kiosk. Procurement can involve open competitive bidding, limited tendering, or sole sourcing. Competitive bidding opportunities are advertised on Corporate Procurement Notices.
Financial products to public and private sectors include long-term debt, guarantee products, equity and grants for investment financing. This opens up project-based procurement needs.
Goods, works and non-consulting services
Goods, Works and Non-Consulting Services are required at the Implementation Stage and bidding procedures, eligibility and the evaluation criteria vary from project to project. It is necessary for firms to be familiar with Rules and Procedures for Procurement of Goods and Works when bidding.
Private sector projects
The AfDB identifies private sector project development as a key area of focus that is necessary for reducing poverty and supporting sustainable growth in Africa. The Non-Sovereign Operations and Private Sector departments of the Bank seek to implement this vision by:
- improving the business environment;
- supporting private companies (especially small-to-medium sized enterprises, SME's);
- strengthening institutions and financial systems;
- promoting regional integration; and
- and creating demonstrable benefits that will attract further resources from additional donors.
Refer to Policy on Non-sovereign Operations for more information.
Climate Action
The CAD 133 million Canada - African Development Bank Climate Fund (CACF) is a transformative special fund that provides concessional loans to climate change-related projects with a strong gender-responsive component.
Assistance for SMEs and woman led businesses
Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) aims to unlock $5 billion in financing by 2026 for small and medium enterprises owned and managed by women. AFAWA is supported by the AfDB's partners and donors, the Group of Seven (G7) countries, as well as the Netherlands and Sweden, and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi).
The funding aims to strengthen the ecosystem for women's entrepreneurship and is consistent with the Bank's agenda to further gender equality and women's empowerment.
For more information, read the AFAWA brochure (PDF format).
Frequently asked questions
How is the AfDB different from the World Bank or other multi lateral development banks (MDBs)?
The AfDB is one of the major MDBs and provides financing to countries in Africa of a significant magnitude every year. The recipient countries use these funds to procure goods, works and services to implement the projects. The agency implementing the project is responsible for procurement. The contracts with the contractors, suppliers and consultants are signed by the Borrower and the Bank is not a party to the contract. However, in terms of its fiduciary responsibility, the Bank ensures that the agreed procurement procedures and the fundamental principles of efficiency, fairness, transparency and equal opportunity are followed.
How is the AfDB structured and who are the officials that need to be met?
The AfDB headquarters is officially in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The key officials include Project Officers (Task Manager) and the Head of the Procurement Unit.
How can firms explore business opportunities with the AfDB?
Read more about project related procurement opportunities and corporate procurement opportunities
Is the market dominated by big firms or a few players?
All eligible bidders from developed and developing countries have an equal opportunity to compete, however since competition is intense SME's can strengthen their chances by collaborating with larger firms.
Should I apply individually or partner with other firms?
The AfDB E-Consultant is a database of Individual Consultants and Consulting Firms maintained by the African Development Bank Group. From the AfDB E-Consultant site, you can register yourself as an Individual Consultant or register as a Consulting Firm.
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